By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
The most unfortunate activity affecting the eastern part of Sokoto is banditry and that’s what transformed while the police were escorting 21 intending pilgrims to Sokoto to be airlifted to the Holy land.
One of the intending pilgrims,Nasiru Muhammad Isa and Basharu Altine Giyawa confirmed that it was around 5pm they left the district head palace going to Sojoto when it all happened.
“Shortly after a village called Girnashe the police leading the convoy opened fire only to learn it was an encounter with bandits hiding in Gundume bush”, Nasiru cried out.
He said the bandits succeeded in killing 3 police officers before one bus carrying 8 intending pilgrims could turn back to Isa town while the remaining two with 13 persons succeeded to reach Sokoto.
Presently passengers from that axis pass through Konni in Niger Republic before finally reaching Sokoto which they said is a long journey but more acceptable.
As at the time of compiling this report I called Police Public Relations Officer ASP Sanusi Abubakar for confirmation but could not pick my calls.
