SP Kazeem Raheem, a Divisional Police Officer, was murdered by bandits in Maru town, the seat of the Maru local government area in Zamfara state.

Raheem was assassinated alongside Shehu Chuka, a vigilante, and Rabiu Bagobiri, a police sergeant who was allegedly an orderly to a former Maru LGA chairman.

Alhaji Iliyasu, a businessman, was kidnapped on Saturday night, March 4, 2023, according to a resident who requested anonymity but spoke to Daily Trust.

His brother had apparently been kidnapped by the gunmen before being released after a ransom was paid. He managed to escape while they took his wife when they returned to try to kidnap him.

Upon getting the information, the DPO mobilized his men and some local vigilantes to repel the bandits but unfortunately lost his life in the gunfight.

“It was a terrible experience. I woke up at the sound of heavy gunfire around 2am. Maru town has been under constant attack by these criminals, several people were kidnapped in the past one year.” the source said.

Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Mohammed Shehu, who confirmed the incident to Channels Television, said police authorities are currently in Maru for an on-the-spot assessment.

“We are currently in Maru, I will get back to you when we return to Gusau,” he added. 

Meanwhile, another source from the local government said that an unspecified number of residents were also abducted in the attack. 

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