The police command in Zamfara says it did not pay bandits any ransom to release 100 children, nursing mothers, and others held hostage for 42 days.

The bandits released the kidnap victims at Kabaro forest in Maru local government area.

This is contained in a statement by a spokesman for the police Muhammad Shehu in Gusau on Tuesday.

Mr Shehu explained that the police carried and the Zamfara Ministry for Security and Home Affairs were involved in releasing the children, women, and others.

“Some recalcitrant bandits stormed Manawa village in Mutunji District of Dansadau Emirate in Maru LGA on June 8 and abducted 100 villagers including nursing mothers, males, and children.

“The victims who were in the custody of their abductors for 42 days were released without ransom and will be medically checked and debriefed before being reunited with their respective families,” said the statement.

It added, “The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Hussaini Rabiu, has warned the recalcitrant bandits to renounce criminalities and embrace peace or face the full wrath of the law.

“He has assured of sustenance of kinetic and non-kinetic approach to successfully end the menace of kidnapping in the state.”

Police called on residents of the state “to support the police and other security agencies with credible information about the hideout, movements and other activities of criminal elements.”

(NAN)