Ex-president Muhammadu Buhari

Malik Yahya/

Unknown gunmen opened fire on the convoy of President Muhammadu Buhari today near Dutsinma in Katsina State, says the Federal Government in a statement.

NewsmakersNG learned that the attack was launched on the advance convoy of the president who was visiting his home state ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir festivities, on a day that about 300 bandits on motorbikes went on the rampage with AK47 and General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG) killing two police officers in the state, including the Area Commander of Dutsinma, ACP Aminu Umar.

Buhari had been scheduled to visit Daura for the Sallah break and an advance team of security guards, protocol and media officers had already arrived in the state.

The attackers reportedly opened fire on the convoy while on its way to Daura from ambush positions but were repelled by the military, police and DSS personnel accompanying the convoy.

Two persons in the convoy are reportedly receiving treatment for the minor injuries they suffered. All the other personnel, staff and vehicles made it safely to Daura.

Meanwhile, Buhari, in a statement by Garba Shehu, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, has described the development as not welcomed.

Garba Shehu confirmed the attack in the statement that reads: “The Presidency has described as sad and unwelcome, the shooting incident near Dutsinma, Katsina State, at the convoy of cars carrying the Advance Team of security guards, protocol and media officers ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s trip to Daura for Sallah.

According to police authorities, the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Idrisu Dabban Dauda has commiserated with the families of the slain officers who were responding to a distress call received at about 11:30am.

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By Dipo

Dipo Kehinde is an accomplished Nigerian journalist, artist, and designer with over 34 years experience. More info on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dipo-kehinde-8aa98926

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