The convoy of cars conveying President Buhari’s advance team of security guards, protocol and media officers was attacked by an ambush of suspected terrorists near Dutsinma, Katsina state, on Tuesday.
Two policemen were killed in the process.
Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity confirmed the attack which was targeted at the Presidency officials travelling to Daura ahead of the President who is expected to spend the Sallah holidays at his home town.
Garba Shehu’s statement read thus:
“Gallant presidential guards repel attack on advance team ahead of President’s visit”
“The Presidency has described as sad and unwelcome, the shooting incident near Dutsinma, Katsina State, at the convoy of cars carrying the Advance Team of security guards, protocol and media officers ahead of the President, Muhammadu Buhari’s trip to Daura for Sallah.
“The attackers opened fire on the convoy from ambush positions but were repelled by the military, police and DSS personnel accompanying the convoy.
“Two persons in the convoy are receiving treatment for the minor injuries they suffered. All the other personnel, staff and vehicles made it safely to Daura.”
But in another development, Gambo Isah, the spokesman for the Katsina State Police Command confirmed in a different statement that the Police Area Commander for Dutsinma, Aminu Umar, and one other officer were killed in the crossfire.
His statement read, “Today (Tuesday), July 5, 2022 at about 11.30am, a distress call was received that terrorists numbering over 300, on motorcycles, shooting sporadically with AK 47 rifles and General Purpose Machine Guns, ambushed ACP Aminu Umar, Area Commander, Dutsinma and team, while on clearance operation of recalcitrant bandits/terrorists, in Zakka Forest, Safana Local Government Area of Katsina state.
“Consequently, the Area Commander and one other gallantly lost their lives during a cross exchange of gun fire.
“The Commissioner of Police, Idrisu Dauda, on behalf of the officers and men of the command, expresses his deep sympathy to the family of the deceased and pray to almighty Allah to repose their souls in Jannatul Firdausi.”
