More than 50 kidnapped victims in the custody of a notorious bandit in Zamfara State, Bello Turji, have regained their freedom.
Co-Chairman of Zamfara state Committee on Finding Lasting Solutions to Banditry, Dr Abdullahi Shinkafi, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation on Tuesday.
Dr Shinkafi noted the victims are about 70, adding that the notorious bandit kingpin released them ‘unconditionally’ due to a military air raid on neighbouring bandit camps n Zamfara and Sokoto forests.
The onslaught led to the death of two notorious bandits while others were seriously wounded.
According to the police, arrangements are being made to evacuate all freed victims to the state capital, Gusau for profiling and medical treatment before they are released to their families.
It was gathered that the latest development was also made possible following a dialogue that took place between the kingpin and local authorities in Zamfara State.
Turji has been the mastermind of killings and kidnappings in Shinkafi, Sabon Birni, Isah in Zamfara and Sokoto states.
Late last year, he was alleged to have written a letter to Shinkafi Emirate Council that he was ready to embrace peace and stop banditry.
