Students and staff members of the Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State, who were kidnapped by bandits, have regained their freedom after seven months in captivity.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped during an attack in the Gusau area in February of this year. Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, confirmed the release in a report via X, formally known as Twitter on Monday.
“Abducted students of Federal University Gusau and staff regain freedom,” the report said. While the exact circumstances surrounding their release remain unclear, report indicates that security forces played a pivotal role in securing the victims’ freedom.
“It was gathered that the students and staff were kidnapped during an attack by bandits in the Gusau area in February of this year,” Zagazola said. The news brings relief to families and the academic community who have been waiting for the safe return of their loved ones. Zagazola added, “After spending an extended period in captivity, it has been confirmed that all the abducted individuals have returned in good health.”
In September 2023, bandits reportedly kidnapped a significant number of students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State. An indigene of Sabon Gida village, Abubakar Sani, told journalist that the bandits, who were in large numbers, stormed the students off-campus residences in the village noting that the abducted students were mostly females. He adds that the bandits invaded the area around 4:00 am, where they attacked three students hostels.
When contacted, the Zamfara State Police Command spokesman said he was not aware of the development, adding that he would verify and get back.
It was alleged that terrorists also held some university students they kidnapped in September 2023 till April 2024 before releasing them. A cousin of one of the female students abducted had in April told newsmen that “My sister was finally released together with other kidnapped students yesterday. All of them have been freed now. This is after spending 205 days in captivity.”
It is estimated that there are about 30,000 bandits spread across numerous groups in northwest Nigeria, with the groups' numbers ranging from 10 to over 1,000 fighters.
Banditry is a composite crime that includes kidnapping, massacre, rape, cattle rustling, and the illegal possession of firearms.
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