Zamfara speaker: Over 200 kidnap victims rescued through dialogue

Nasiru Magarya, speaker of the Zamfara house of assembly, says the state has rescued more than 200 victims of kidnapping through dialogue.

Magarya disclosed this on Thursday, when he received a delegation of the conference of speakers of state legislatures, who visited him in Gusau, the Zamfara capital.

According to NAN, the delegation paid a condolence visit to the speaker over the death of his father, who reportedly died in the custody of kidnappers.

Family members of the speaker, including his father, were abducted by gunmen at Magarya community in Zurmi LGA of the state in August.

Five members of the speaker’s family later regained their freedom, after almost one month in captivity.

Speaking on the development, Magarya expressed concern over the security challenges facing the state, but said the government remains committed to tackling the situation.

“Our father was abducted with his family since August this year and since then, the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, have been making efforts to secure their release,” he said.

“Alhamdulillah, members of the family including the three-month-old baby were successfully rescued. But unfortunately for our father, alhaji Mu’azu Magarya, his time has come and as Muslims, we all believe that every life must have the beginning and the end.

“On behalf of our family, Zamfara government and the state house of assembly, we thank you for this visit.

“I am happy to inform you that the state government has secured the release of over 200 kidnap victims through peace and dialogue, initiated by the present administration led by the state governor.”