Tragedy struck the Pindiga community in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State in the early hours of Sunday as gunmen suspected to be kidnappers invaded the area, killing two persons and abducting four others, including children.
The Gombe State Police Command confirmed the incident, disclosing that the attack occurred around 3:30 a.m. when unidentified armed men stormed residences along the Pindiga–Kashere Road.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the assailants shot two occupants of the first residence, identified as 31-year-old Yusuf Mohammed and 28-year-old Faiza Mohammed. In the same household, the attackers abducted a teenager, 16-year-old Zainab Mohammed Yusuf.
The armed group subsequently moved to the residence of one Alhaji Yayaji Abdullahi, where they abducted his wife, 35-year-old Summai Alhaji Yayaji, and two children, Al’amin Alhaji Yayaji, aged 11, and 14-year-old Fatima Abdullahi.
The Police spokesperson confirmed that the two gunshot victims were rushed to the Cottage Hospital in Pindiga for emergency treatment but were confirmed dead on arrival by a medical doctor.
Following the distress report, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations led a team of senior officers to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
During the visit, the police recovered six empty shells of AK-47 ammunition and one live round, pointing to the heavy firepower utilized by the criminals.
DSP Abdullahi stated that the Command has since intensified tactical and intelligence-led operations in the area.
He added that a combined team of police operatives, local hunters, and vigilante groups has been mobilized to comb the bushes in a concerted effort to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
While strongly condemning the heinous crime, the Command assured the public that it is taking all necessary measures to ensure justice is served.
Citizens were urged to remain calm and support the security agencies with credible and timely information to aid the ongoing investigation.