Zamfara varsity abduction: We’re not aware of our children’s release – Parents

Parents of the abducted students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State on Sunday said they were not aware of their release from captivity.

At least 21 students were abducted last September when terrorists stormed an off-campus hostel in Sabon Gida, a community opposite the university in the Zamfara State capital.

A few hours later, some of the victims were rescued by security officials.

However, several media platforms reported yesterday that nine students had been released by their captors and handed over to security agencies.

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But the parents of the abducted students, the school authorities and the police command in Zamfara said they were yet to be informed of their release but only heard about it on social media platforms.

Dr. Ibrahim Mai Unguwa, the father of one of the abducted students, who spoke to Daily Trust on the phone, said he only read the news of the students’ release on social media.

Mai Unguwa said: “Sincerely speaking, I only heard about this development through social media. Nobody, either from the management of the university or security agencies, informed me of this issue.

“I heard about the issue in the morning and then you also contacted me about it. However, I am praying this story will turn out to be true because I always pray to see my daughter again. I will be the happiest person on the earth if this story becomes true,” he said.

Also, Alhaji Muhammad Malami said: “I heard on the BBC that five students were released but through another source, I heard that all the students have regained freedom.

“However, I have not been contacted by the security agencies on this issue. But we will continue to seek divine intervention on this matter. Only God knows the truth of the matter. Our hope is for all the students to regain their freedom in good health.”

On his part, the vice chancellor of the university, Professor Mua’azu Abubakar, also said the school management was not aware of the release of the abducted students.

He said: “I only saw the news on social media. But this is purely security affairs and the security agencies are doing their job. So, I am not aware of the release of the students.”

When contacted, a police spokesperson in Zamfara State, Yazid Abubakar, said the police authorities in the state were not aware of this development.