By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has paid a condolence visit to the Headquarters of Kebbi State Police Command Birnin Kebbi, to commiserate with the Commissioner of Police on the death of the Divisional Police Officer Sakaba Local Government in Zuru Emirate, Superintendent of Police Abdullahi Jimoh as well as Inspector Ibrahim Aliyu and seven other policemen as a result of Sunday attack by bandits.

News Express had exclusively broken news of authorities confirmation of the killing of the nine police officers, three vigilante operatives popularly known as ’Yan Sa Kai and an unascertained number of residents in a bandit attack on Dankolo, Sakaba, Makuku, Dokar Kambari and Kurmin Hodo villages of Sakaba Local Government of Kebbi State.

A statement on Tuesday by Abubakar Mu’azu Dakingari, Chief Press Secretary

Government House, said Governor Bagudu expressed sadness about such unpleasant and barbaric action of killing police officers who were on national duty to ensure peace and security in the area and free from banditry.

“The Governor,” according to the statement, “extended heartfelt condolences to the Nigeria Police, Family of the Deceased describing those who paid the supreme sacrifice for the betterment of Nigeria and Nigerians as gallant warriors and prayed Allah to grant them mercy.

“He commended all security agencies operating in the state for their excellent performance which facilitate attainment of peace and tranquility in the state.

“He assured that his administration would continue to provide the necessary support to enhance their welfare as well as logistics and requirements for optimum performance.

“The Governor pledged to off-set all expenses for burial of the slain officers and directed the Deputy Governor of the State Retired Col. Sama’ila Yombe Dabai to represent the government in all activities pertaining to their evacuation, burial and family needs.

“He thanked the Police Commissioner and other sister agencies for their prompt action to matters concerning security in Kebbi State which they always handled professionally with urgency.”

Responsding on behalf of the Inspector General of Police and Kebbi State Police Command, the Commissioner of Police, Adeke Adeyinka Bode, expressed gratitude to Governor Bagudu for his sympathy and for his compassion to the police in the state.

He noted that those killed died in active service, affirming that the police in the state would continue to perform their duty and “deal decisively with any criminal, until peace has been fully restored to the area.”