TEN persons were killed and eight others injured on Sunday night following a gunfight between security operatives and suspected armed robbers in Azare town in Katagum Local Government of Bauchi State.
The gunmen, numbering about 10, were said to have attacked a seed market in the town before some youths and security operatives confonted them.
A few hours after the incident, a thief catcher, Ali Kwara, arrested five persons for armed robbery.
Our correspondent learnt that four of the gunmen were killed while three soldiers, one policeman and one civilian were killed in the attack.
Three Ak 47 rifle, one pistol and one Improvised Explosive Device were recovered from the robbers, while the injured people are currently receiving treatment at Azare Medical Center.
Commissioner of Police in the state, Mohammed Ladan confirmed the incident. He said four of the gunmen were killed in the attack while some security operatives suffered casualty. He did not give further details
The commissioner said, “We received a report that some armed robbers were terrorising the market in Azare and we deployed our men. Four of the armed robbers were killed and some of our men were wounded.”
Meanwhile, Kwara was said to have arrested the thieves at a bar in Gadau motor park in Azare.
The thief catcher was said to have sent his boys to the park where the robbers were arrested.
One Ak 47 riffles was said to have been recovered from the suspects.