By Idris Salisu, Gusau

Police in Zamfara state has confirmed the killing of Divisional Crimes Officer (DCO) in charge of Zurmi divisional Police by the armed bandits and the burning down of a police station.

The spokesman of the state police command ASP Yazid Abubakar, announced this in a statement, said the state command already deployed additional police personnel to avoid the re-occurring of the incident.

According to the statement, on Sunday a group of armed men suspected to be bandits in large numbers wielding sophisticated weapons attacked Zurmi division at Nasarawa Area of Zurmi local government area of the State and started shooting sporadically.

He said the policemen on duty retaliated and repelled the attack after a serious gun duel which many of the bandits were killed and some took to their heels with possible gunshot wounds.

He however said, in the cause of fire exchange with the bandits, the Divisional Crime Officer DSP Shitu Musa killed on the spot and two other police officers suffered gunshot wounds.

While the bandits were retreating, they burnt down some houses and shops in the same area including the police station.

The state Commissioner of Police CP MD Shehu Dalijan, therefore deployed adequate manpower to the area while reassuring all people of the state that the command under his leadership will continue to do its best in protecting lives and properties.

He further urged the good people of the state to furnish the command with credible and timely information on the activities of criminals to salvage the state from all forms of criminalities.