After 8 months, abducted Zamfara varsity students, staff regain freedom
Some staff and students of the Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara State abducted on September 22, 2023, have regained freedom.
The victims were taken away when bandits invaded hostels in Sabon-Gida community of the Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara, abducting over 20 students, mostly ladies.
After several efforts by the university authorities and family members, some of the captives were released after months, but 23 remained in captivity.
On Sunday, the remaining students were rescued by security forces.
“They were released at Kuncin Kalgo in Tsafe local government area of Zamfara State and handed over to government officials. A total of 23 persons in all,” said a source with direct knowledge of the development.
The source added that some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were abducted in Sokoto State have also been rescued.
Zamfara is one of the badly affected states in the campaign of violence bandits unleashed on North-West residents.
When he sought audience with President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock last month, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara said his state was under siege.
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“There have been several attacks in some of the local government communities. I feel as a responsible governor, I should make this known to Mr. President, who is pleased with the discussion we have, and we are looking for more military personnel as well as the equipment for them to be able to function effectively and take care of the security situation.”
“Zamfara has become the center of banditry as we speak today, and if nothing is done in Zamfara State, I don’t think we will be able to solve the situation in the entire northern Nigeria. Most of the boys or the girls kidnapped in Kaduna State, ended up in Zamfara state that is not good for us, and therefore we’re doing everything to change the narratives and that is one of the reasons I came to see the president today.
“That is why I am here today I have informed Mr. President and I have his assurance that something drastic will be done to take care of the situation as soon as possible,” he had told state house correspondents.
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