Gunmen attack hospital, kidnap infant babies, nurses and security guards

Unknown gunmen suspected to be bandits have stormed the residential quarters of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre (NTLC) in Zaria, Kaduna State and abducted infant babies, fives nurses and security guards.

It was gathered that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, around 1:30 am.

PRNigeria, a news agency with close ties to security agencies, reported that the bandits stormed the area from a nearby forest. They engaged police officers in a gun battle before they escaped with their victims, the agency reported.

The area where the kidnap occurred, known as Saye District in the outskirts of Zaria, is close to notorious Sabon Birni, Galadima and Malu Forests where armed bandits keep their victims hostage.

When contacted, the Kaduna Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, told PRNigeria that Nigerian troops have intensified efforts to rescue the victims.

Kidnapping for ransom is becoming a norm in Kaduna and many other states in Nigeria despite the efforts of security agencies.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna police command confirmed the incident.

The Kaduna police spokesperson, Mohammed Jalige, said the attack occurred at about 1:30 a.m. while residents were asleep.

He said “In the early hours of today 4th July, 2021 at about 0130hrs suspected armed Bandits in large number attacked the Divisional Police Headquarters, Saye Zaria LGA of Kaduna State in an attempt to overrun the Officers on duty but met with a stiff resistance from the Officers who were at alert as of the time of the attack.

“There was a heavy exchange of fire between the Bandits and the Police personnel on duty but the superior tactical and operational sagacity of the Police forced the Bandits to retreat and took to their heels some of which have escaped with bullet injuries.

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“Unfortunately as at the same period some group of Bandits were attacking the National Centre for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Quarters at same Saye Community of which eight (8) persons were kidnapped to an unknown destination.

“In the meantime, twenty three (23) empty shells and three (3) live GPMG ammunition as well as thirty four (34) empty shells of 7.62x39mm ammunitions were recovered from the scene.

“The Command had so far reinforced the Division with more tactical Operatives from Operation Puff Adder II, Anti-kidnapping Unit and Police Mobile Force while IGP’s IRT and STS has been contacted for technical support with the mandate to ensure that the victims are rescued unhurt and possible arrest of the Bandits to face the wrath of the law.

Keywords: Infant babies, Nurses, security guards, Kaduna hospital, National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre (NTLC), Gunmen, Bandits

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