The convoy of cars carrying the Advance Team of security guards, protocol and media officeof President Muhammadu Buhari to Daura, Katsina State came under attacks from suspected bandits on Tuesday.
Two persons in the presidential convoy were injured and are currently receiving medical attention.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu, confirmed the attack in a statement circulated late Tuesday.
According to the Presidential aide, the attackers were said to have opened fire on the convoy heading from Abuja to Daura from ambush positions, but were repelled by the military, the police and the DSS personnel accompanying the convoy.
The statement reads, “Gallant Presidential Guards Repel Attack On Advance Team Ahead Of President’s Visit;
“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 the President, Muhammadu Buhari’s trip to Daura for Sallah.
“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.” He stated.
In a separate statement however, the spokesman of the Katsina State Police Command, Gambo Isah, confirmed that the Police Area Commander for Dutsinma, Aminu Umar, and one other were killed in the ambush.
Although Isah did not include in his statement that the attack was on the presidential team.
The statement read, “Today (Tuesday), July 5, 2022 at about 11.30am, 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 gun fire.