From Maiharaji Altine Gusau
Zamfara police command has rescued 68 kidnapped victims who have been in captivity in Zamfara forest under the territory of bandits kingpin Bello Turji.
Addressing newsmen on Tuesday, the Commissioner of police CP Ayuba Elkana said, the victims were in captivity for over three months.
The victims, acccording to the Commissioner included 33 male adults, seven male children, three female children, and 25 women including pregnant and nursing mothers.
He maintained that the victims were indigenes of Magarya, Maradun and Gusau in Zamfara state as well as others in Sabon Birni town of Sokoto state.
Elkana said, Following an extensive pressure mounted as a result of the ongoing military operations around the camp of a notorious bandits kingping known as Bello Turji that covers Shinkafi, Zurmi and Birnin Magaji local governments areas, the police command received information that some kidnapped victims were seen stranded in the bush”.
“The police operatives, in collaboration with the genuine repentant bandits and vigilante swung into action and rescued the 68 victims from the forest”.
The commissioner stressed that, the victims would be taken to the hospital for medical check-up and later taken to their respective villages.
