Gunmen, on Tuesday, opened fire on the convoy of President Muhammadu Buhari in Katsina State.

According to Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu, Nigeria’s number one citizen was not in the convoy at the time of the attack but security operatives and an advance team heading for Daura, Buhari’s hometown, ahead of Sallah, were attacked near Dutsinma in Katsina.

He said the attack was repelled by “gallant presidential guards”.

“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,” Shehu said in a statement.

In a related development, Aminu Umar, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, has been shot dead by bandits in Katsina State.

The deceased and his team members were ambushed while on a clearance operation in Zakka forest, Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, on Tuesday.

Until his death, Umar was the Area Commander of Police in Dutsinma.

Sources within Zakka community told Daily Trust that police and bandits clashed at a village called Yauni in Zakka district of Safana.