The government of Zamfara State, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, has confirmed the receipt of four women who were whisked away seven months ago by gunmen suspected of being kidnappers.
OsunDailyNG understands that the victims were abducted seven months ago along the Kaura Namoda – Birnin Magaji Road.
It could be recalled that the women had appeared in a two-minute-19-seconds video clip released by the terrorists a few weeks ago, appealing to the governor to help in facilitating their rescue.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the rescued ladies were received at the Council Chambers, Government House, Gusau.
Idris explained that the government had been worried since the release of the video clip, which prompted a swift response leading to their freedom.
Governor Lawal, while receiving the rescued victims, expressed gratitude to God for making it possible to witness the freedom of the women.
He further stressed that the rescued women would be fully reintegrated into society and their needs provided.
He said, “As the Chief Executive of Zamfara State, I want to express my utmost gratitude to Allah for the freedom of these ladies who were kidnapped some seven months ago.
“It is indeed a moment of happiness for the government and the families of the victims.
“I am calling on the victims to consider what happened as a test from the Almighty Allah. “Let it not in any way affect their lives, for they have a better future ahead.
“Zamfara State Government will do all it takes to ensure that the rescued victims receive the necessary medical attention and provide all their needs.
“My government is determined to do whatever it takes to bring an end to the menace of kidnapping and banditry in our dear state.
“It is a collective responsibility; we must cooperate and always provide security with relevant information,” the governor said.
In his remark earlier, the Zamfara state Director of the Department of State Services, Nuhu Umar, who officially handed over the rescued victims to the governor for onward handover to their families, said: “On the 15th of January, 2023, four ladies were kidnapped by bandits.
“The kidnapped victims regained their freedom through government intervention.
“The victims are Jamila Yahaya Isa, Aisha Yahaya Isa, Ummulkhairi Musa and UmmulKhairi Sani Umar.”
