All students kidnapped from Federal University Gusau released after 178 days 

Reports emerging indicate that at least nine of the remaining abducted students of the Federal University, Gusau in Zamfara State have been released after about 178 days in captivity. 

Recall, on September 23, 2023, about 21 students, mostly females, were kidnapped during an attack by gunman at an off-campus residence in Sabon Gida Village, Zamfara state. 

The Nigerian army had however swung into action less than 72 hours after the incident and rescued 13 of the victims including three male labourers registered with GUPRAN Engineering Services Ltd, who had been abducted as well. 

Premium Times reports that the remaining 9 kidnapped students have now been released following tense negotiations with the bandits. 

Dockaysworld gathers that students have reportedly arrived in the federal capital territory and are receiving treatment before being returned to their state. 

According to Premium times, a negotiator in the matter said that the aim of the bandits was not to raise funds.  He said Ali Kawaje, the leader of the group was vexed by the government arresting his brother. 

“We began discussing with them immediately after the students were taken. They were reluctant in the beginning but when we insisted, they listened to us,”

“He insisted that we must make amends,”

“It took us weeks to convince him, with the help of some Fulani leaders. When we resumed the discussion, they insisted that the reason for the abduction was not for money but to have some of their relatives released by security agents.

“These nine students were released as part of commitments by some of the Fulani leaders we involved in the negotiations,” he said.