TheCable

Five family members of Nasiru Ma’azu Magarya, Zamfara assembly speaker, have regained their freedom after almost one month in captivity.

Ayuba Elkanah, Zamfara commissioner of police, confirmed their release on Saturday while presenting 16 rescued victims in Gusau.

He said the speaker’s family members include Dahiru Sarki Magarya, Huwau Mu’azu Magarya, baby Khadija, Usman Magarya and Okasha Abdullahi Magarya.

The police commissioner said the 11 others, including four women, were abducted from Magamin Tandu in Kaura Namoda LGA.

He said all the victims had undergone medical checkups and would be reunited with their families.

Elkanah said efforts are being made to rescue the speaker’s father.

The speaker’s family members were abducted on August 4 when gunmen invaded Magarya town in Zurmi LGA of the state.

Their release comes on the same day the Zamfara police command announced the arrest of one Bello Rugga, a notorious bandit commander in the state.

According to the police, Rugga has many bandits under his command and was in charge of Gummi, Gidan Bita, Malanjara and Kagara forest in Gummi LGA of the state.