From Mohammed Munirat Nasir, Gusau.
Bandits on Sunday afternoon killed 13 Policemen in an ambush in Kurar Mota village, Bungudu local government area of Zamfara state.
A statement by the Zamfara State Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO) SP Mohammed Shehu said the attack occurred around 12.30pm.
The Police Spokesman said the attack occurred when Police Mobile operatives deployed at Kurar Mota village were responding to a distress call with regards to an attempt by bandits to attack some nearby communities.
“The personnel who ran into the ambush exhibited resilience and gallantry by engaging the hoodlums, an effort that deterred the bandits from attacking the communities.
“Unfortunately, 13 personnel paid the supreme price. However, the bandits on their part suffered heavy casualties.
Shehu said a special Anti – Banditry Operations is currently ongoing with a view to track down the assailants.
“The Zamfara State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment and determination to sustain its ongoing operations against the activities of recalcitrant bandits and other criminal elements in the State.
“The command also launched a manhunt against armed bandits that ambushed Police operatives in Kurar Mota village,” he said.
The PPRO added that the Commissioner of Police Hussaini Rabiu while visiting the injured Police men at the hospital reaffirmed the commitment of the command to rid the state of all bad eggs.
“Today’s unfortunate incident will not discourage the officers and men of the command from discharging their mandate of protecting lives and properties of the citizens,” he said.
He called on law abiding citizens to join hands with the security agencies to successfully end the menace.
Sources said the bandits had earlier on Sunday morning attempted to attack Magami village in Gusau local government area of the state but were overpowered by soldiers in the area which made the bandits retrieve from them area and launch the deadly attack in Kurar Mota village.