Zamfara State Government has secured the release of 18 students of the state College of Agricultural and Animal Sciences Bakura, abducted by terrorists recently.
The terrorists 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, Mr Ayuba Elkana, said the victims were rescued through dialogue initiated by the state government.
“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, “the Commissioner said.
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.
“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 these staff and students”, he explained.
He said the released abductees will undergo medical checkup before they are handed over to their families.
Meanwhile, Matawalle has announced the closure of all weekly markets in the state as part of measures to address worsening security situation in the state.
The governor also said the state government banned the selling of petrol in jerrycans as part of the measures to stop supplying fuel to the bandits.
“Filling stations in the state should also sell only N10,000 fuel to each vehicle and should be vigilant of vehicles or motorcycles coming for repeat purchases immediately.
“No commercial motorcycle riders are allowed to carry three persons at a time.
“We also reduced the operations of commercial motorcycle and tricycles between 6am and 8pm in the state capital, while outside the state capital is between 6am and 6pm.
”But essential services including Health personnel, Security men and Journalists who identified himself were allowed to ride motorcycle or tricycle beyond the stated time. “
The governor also banned the transportation of cows and firewood throughout the state, while movement of food items must be thoroughly investigated to ensure it does not get to bandits.
While saying that all citizens must comply with the new directives or face the full wrath of the law, the governor also called on the public to report any person found breaching the directives.
