Gun-wielding bandits on motorbikes headed to the western part of the main road, shooting sporadically along Kaduna-Abuja highway caused residents to flee into hiding.
Information reaching News Central indicate that commuters were forced to turn back around 3pm after hearing gunshots and spotting bandits, in a large number, crossing over the ever-busy expressway.
Although there was no report of abductions, the fleeing bandits passed through Kwari village near Kasarami area.
A farmer in the community who preferred to not be named confirmed there was commotion and sounds of gunshots.
The State Government, through the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, clarified that bandits did not operate on the highway today.
Aruwan said the buzz in circulation is false and was presented by a group of social media enthusiasts who celebrate negative news.
“The preliminary operational feedback showed that fleeing bandits escaping a military onslaught attempted to pass through a narrow corridor around Kasarami general area of Kaduna-Abuja road.”
“The troops, on receiving this intelligence, hurriedly moved to the location and engaged them in the adjoining forest,” he said.
He said the State Government will keep the general public informed when more detailed feedback is received.
He said Kaduna State Government does not deny the existence of security challenges, and continues to work assiduously with relevant security agencies to restore normalcy.
Late on Wednesday night, gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked a low-cost housing estate at Kofar Gayan in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State and kidnapped six people including a Customs officer and his son.
