The Zamfara State Government has secured the release of 18 students of the state College of Agricultural and Animal Sciences, Bakura, abducted by unknown gunmen recently.
The News Agency of Nigeria eports that the gunmen had on August 16 abducted students and staff of the College in Bakura Local Government Area of the state.
Presenting the released abductees to Governor Bello Matawalle at the Government House, Gusau on Friday, the State Commissioner of Police, Ayuba Elkana, said the victims were rescued through dialogue initiated by the state government.
Elkana said: “We may recall that the students were abducted and kept with the bandits 12 days ago.
“They were rescued through the peace dialogue initiated by Governor Bello Matawalle, without paying any kobo as ransom.
“I am happy to hand over the released students and staff to his Excellency, the governor, today.”
Elkana commended all stakeholders who assisted in the rescue of the students.
Responding, Matawalle commended the state peace and reconciliation committee for achieving the success.
He said: “We thank Allah the almighty for having this staff and students back.
“As we all know, my administration initiated peace and reconciliation with the bandits as part of the measures to address security challenges facing the state.
“We used the dialogue through the repentant bandits and rescued this staff and students.”
Matawalle said the released abductees will undergo medical checkup before they are handed over to their families.