The police in Zamfara have announced the rescue of 41 persons kidnapped last week by armed bandits in Maru Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Shaba Alkali, made the announcement on Wednesday in Gusau while addressing newsmen.

He said that the 41 kidnapped victims including a police inspector from the state command were returned in good condition of health, adding that no ransom was paid to facilitate their release.

He explained that ‘security strategic measures’ employed by joint security personnel who mounted pressure on the hoodlums facilitated the safe return of the victims.

Alkali warned armed bandits operating in the state to relocate or surrender, saying “very soon we are going to come out in full force to fight them.”

The abductors had earlier told Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara to release 400 cows recovered from them by the joint security patrol before they would release the 41 victims.

It would be recalled that suspected armed bandits on Friday killed at least 29 people in fresh attacks on four villages in Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State.

The rampaging gun men who stormed the four villages in their dozens arrived on motorbikes and began shooting sporadically.

Seven people were killed at Yan’ kamoji, nine at Sabon Gida, 11 at Tubali and two at Kaya villages respectively.

The incident happened even as another set of gunmen struck in Mai Kansa village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing two mobile policemen and four others and kidnapped over 40 people.

The bandits operating on the Gobirawa-Bindin-Magami Road waylaid more than five Canter trucks occupied by passengers on their way to Magami Market and started firing at the over 100 of them who were traders on board the intercepted trucks.

Armed bandits have in the last few months killed and kidnapped many people in the state.

Recall that following armed bandits attack at a mining site, where more than 35 people were killed, the military launched an offensive against them and killed many and rescued stolen cattle. (NAN)

•Photo shows combat-ready police.

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