Kidnapped Zamfara varsity students, staff released after seven months

Students and staff members of 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 on Monday.

“Abducted students of Federal University Gusau and staff regain freedom,” the report said.

While the exact circumstances surrounding their release remain unclear, Zagazola’s sources indicated 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 The PUNCH that the bandits, who were in large numbers, stormed the students’ off-campus residences in the village. He said the students abducted were mostly females.

Sani said the bandits invaded the area around 4:00 am, where they attacked three students’ hostels.

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