Over 100 abducted persons regain freedom in Zamfara

Over 100 abducted persons regain freedom in Zamfara

By: James Bwala

Reports in Zamfara state, northwest Nigeria revealed that 52 abducted persons have regained their freedom when the Bandits leader, Bello Turji informed the government of his decision to release the victims in his custody on Monday.

According to reports, the notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji who is operating in the borders of Zamfara and Sokoto states, along Shinkafi – Sabon Birni and Isah local government areas has released 52 abducted persons in his custody unconditionally.

Sources also said, the freed captives are currently being moved from the forest to an agreed spot where they will be ferried to Shinkafi town.

Although the government did not reveal whether or not there was some negotiation to have informed the decision for the release, residents who spoke to newsmen said the decision could be as a result of the ongoing battle between the Nigerian troops and bandits in the region.

The reports said,Buses have been lined up and directed to start moving towards Maberiya, an area just 5km east of Shinkafi town where they are expected to evacuate the victims.

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In another development, the Police Command in Zamfara State on Tuesday said it has rescued 97 kidnapped victims in the state.

The state police commissioner, Ayuba Elkanah, disclosed this during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Gusau said the victims who were rescued in Shinkafi and Tsafe Local Government Areas include 7 pregnant women, nineteen 2-7 months old babies and sixteen 2-7 years old children among others.

He said 68 of the victims were rescued from Shinkafi while 29 were rescued from the Tsafe local government area of the state.

The Zamfara police boss noted that the feat was part of the series of achievements being recorded by the command in collaboration with other sister security agencies in the state.

Elkanah said, the victims, who have been in captivity for over three months were met stranded in the bush due to extensive pressure mounted as a result of the ongoing military operation around the camp of a notorious bandit’s kingpin, Bello Turji.

He also revealed that all the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention from the joint medical teams of the state government and the police and will soon be reunited with their families.

Over 100 abducted persons regain freedom in Zamfara