The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed an attack at the Kankara General Hospital, Kankara Local Government Area (LGA) by suspected bandits.

The incident, which occurred on January 14 at around 8 p.m., saw the hoodlums shoot and injure two persons and abduct three others.

A statement by a spokesperson for the command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said the injured persons were receiving medical attention while the police were on the trail of the hoodlums with a view to arresting them and freeing the kidnapped victims.

“On January 14th, 2025, at about 2020 hrs, some suspected armed bandits armed with dangerous weapons, such as AK-47 rifles, shooting sporadically, attacked Kankara General Hospital.

“Upon receipt of the report, the DPO Kankara Divisional Police Headquarters promptly mobilised and responded to the scene where a gun duel ensued, resulting in the foiling of the attack.

“Unfortunately, two persons were shot and injured during the attack. One Dr. Murtala Saleh, m, age 30, a doctor at the hospital, was shot and injured on the right thigh, while one Kamala Suleiman, m, age 20, was injured on the knee. Both victims are currently receiving medical attention and are in stable condition.

“Additionally, three persons were kidnapped by the bandits. Efforts are being made to ensure the unharmed rescue of the kidnap victims as well as the arrest of the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, while condemning this senseless attack on healthcare workers and facilities, ordered the deployment of additional operational assets to the scene for improved security and an intensified manhunt of the assailants.”