Kidnapped Zamfara University Students and Staff Freed After Seven Months in Captivity

After seven long months in captivity, students and staff members of Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, who were kidnapped by bandits, have finally regained their freedom. The victims were abducted in February 2023 during a brutal attack in the Gusau area, sparking widespread concern among families, the university community, and security officials.

The release of the abducted individuals was confirmed on Monday by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, who shared the update via his X (formerly Twitter) account. “Abducted students of Federal University Gusau and staff regain freedom,” he wrote in a brief report.

While details about the exact conditions surrounding their release are still unclear, sources suggest that security forces played a critical role in securing the safe return of the hostages. Makama further confirmed, “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 of their release has brought much-needed relief to the families and loved ones who had been waiting anxiously for their return. The extended period in captivity left many in the academic community worried about the victims’ safety and well-being. However, it has been confirmed that all individuals are now back and in good health, after enduring the months-long ordeal.

“After spending an extended period in captivity, it has been confirmed that all the abducted individuals have returned in good health,” Makama added in his report.

The incident that led to their abduction occurred earlier this year when heavily armed bandits stormed the off-campus residences of Federal University Gusau students. According to local sources, the bandits, numbering in large groups, invaded the Sabon Gida village around 4:00 am, targeting student hostels. Many of the kidnapped victims were female students.

Abubakar Sani, a resident of Sabon Gida village, confirmed to The PUNCH that the bandits attacked three student hostels during the raid. “The bandits came in large numbers and stormed the area around 4:00 am. They abducted many students, mostly females,” Sani recounted.

This tragic incident highlighted the ongoing security challenges in Zamfara State, where banditry and kidnapping have become rampant in recent years. Efforts to rescue the victims involved various security agencies and negotiations, though the precise details of their release have not been fully disclosed.

The Federal University Gusau community, along with the families of the released victims, are now breathing a collective sigh of relief as they welcome back their loved ones after months of uncertainty. While the scars of their captivity may take time to heal, the release of the students and staff marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight against insecurity in the region.