Seven female students of the Federal University Gusau (FUG) in Zamfara state have been rescued by Nigeria’s Joint Task Force of Operation Hadarin Daji on Monday, reports say.
The freed students are among the over 20 students that were abducted last Friday by armed bandits, while in their rented university lodge in Sabon Gida, Bungudu LGA of the state.
The troops had earlier rescued six others shortly after the large group of bandits made away with the students, thus amounting to a total of 13 students rescued so far.
Names of the rescued students are Rukayya Sani Batola, Merry Monday, Maryam Salawuddeen, Salamatu Jummai Dahiru, Fiddausi Abdulazeez, Amamatullahi Asabe Dahiru, Ketora Bulus, Felicia Sunday, Jamila Ahmad, Aisha Aminu Ujong, Mariya Abdulrahman Usman, Usaina Abdulrahman, and Saadatu Aminu Abubakar.
During the rescue operations, other abducted victims including three construction workers were rescued from the bandits’ custody.
News Central reported that last Friday, 22 September, a group of armed bandits invaded a female student’s hostel in FUG, abducting at least twenty undergraduates.
Reacting to the destabilising news, the Student Wing of the Coalition of Northern Groups (SW-CNG) called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately hasten the rescue of the abducted students.
Northwest Coordinator Muhammad Bello Aliyu, urged the FG to mobilise relevant security agencies to ensure the release and safe return of the captured learners without any further delay.
“We demand that the government mobilise all necessary resources and collaborate with relevant security agencies to rescue the abducted students without further delay. Time is of the essence, and every effort must be made to ensure their prompt and safe return.
“The trauma and anguish endured by the affected students, their families, and the entire education community cannot be overstated. We stand in solidarity with them and vow to do everything within our power to support their cause,” Aliyu said.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, instructed security agencies in the country to ensure that the remaining abductees are rescued.
President Tinubu in a statement through presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale condemned the despicable act against the innocent students who were only at school to pursue good knowledge for a better tomorrow.
The President further sympathised with the families of the affected students, while reassuring citizens of his commitment to providing good education and safe learning space for all.