The Zamfara State government says it has recorded another victory in its ongoing efforts to bring an end to banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the State to a halt.
It announced the rescue of 15 more people; 13 men and two women, who were kidnapped by bandits along Kaura Namoda, Zurmi and Shinkafi axis of the State.
The rescued people were handed over to the State Executive Governor, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle (Matawallen Maradun) by the Police Commissioner of the State, Mr. Usman Nagoggo at Government House Gusau, earlier on Friday.
Speaking during the handover, Mr Nagoggo informed the Governor, that the 15 People were released as part of a deal between the vigilante group known as Yan Sakai and bandits that have been responsible for the spate of kidnappings in the State.
The process is part of a ongoing dialogue brokered by the State between two of the major antagonists of the murky conflict in the state which has lead to thousands of deaths over last few years.
In his remarks, the Governor expressed his confidence in the peace talks which were only just recently initiated by his administration and promised that Zamfara State will soon be free from the activities of armed bandits.
He said the release of the kidnapped people is a sure sign that the peace process is succeeding.
The Governor reiterated his determination to sustain the ongoing peace efforts until all those kidnapped are rescued and a solid foundation is laid for sustainable peace.
The Governor also directed that the Government house clinic conduct a thorough medical check on all those rescued and treat them if neccessary.
He said once they are back to full health, the state government will organise an occasion that will bring all stakeholders together, to witness the reunification of the kidnapping victims with their respective families.
This he hopes will ” nourish the peace process, demonstrate its workability and encourage all those involved to stick to it until the conflict is fully resolved”.
Among those rescued is Haruna Na-Hantsi, a citizen of the Republic of Niger and a native of Maradi.
Another of those rescued is , Ibrahim Mohammed Moriki, a Community Health Worker attached to the Kuturu Primary Health Care. He said he was kidnapped by the bandits over 20 days ago others had spent more than 2 Months in the hands of the bandits before their rescue.
YUSUF IDRIS GUSAU
Director General Press Affairs, Government House, Gusau
05/07/201920201 Share