The Presidency has confirmed a gun attack on the convoy of vehicles conveying the advance team of security guards, protocol, and media officers ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to his Daura hometown in Katsina state.
The President is expected in Daura for the Sallah celebration.
In a statement signed by Garba Shehu, Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity, the Presidency said two persons were injured.
It described the shooting near Dutsinma, Katsina State on Tuesday as sad and unwelcome.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the Police Area Commander in Dutsinma, Katsina State, Aminu Umar, and another officer have been reported dead.
A statement from the Katsina State Police Command read, “Today (Tuesday), July 5, 2022, at about 11:30 am, 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 gunfire.”
Nigeria Info cannot verify if the killing of the police officers and the attack on President Buhari’s convoy are related.