The students and staff of Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State, who were kidnapped by bandits, have regained their freedom after seven months in captivity, News About Nigeria reports.
This was disclosed by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, in a statement on Monday.
Recall that the victims were kidnapped during an attack in the Gusau area in February 2024 and have remained in the kidnappers den from that time till now.
An indigene of Sabon Gida village, Abubakar Sani, told newsmen 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.
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.
He noted that the victims returned in good health, were not hurt, and have been reunited with their families.
The statement reads in part, “Abducted students of Federal University Gusau and staff regain 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.
“The news brings relief to families and the academic community who have been waiting for the safe return of their loved ones.
“After spending an extended period in captivity, it has been confirmed that all the abducted individuals have returned in good health.”
Insecurity has increased at an alarming rate in the country in the past few years with multiple events of abduction, robbery, and violence.
