A group of 15 students who were previously abducted from a Qur’anic school in Sokoto State have been successfully released, bringing relief to their families and the community.

According to Vistanaij Media, the students were taken captive in Gidan Bakuso village, located in Gada Local Government Area, while seeking refuge in their rooms during an attack on the community two weeks ago.

Reports also suggest that the kidnapping occurred just hours before the graduation ceremony of the state’s Community Guard Corps, which was established to combat banditry.

Liman Abubakar, the proprietor of the Tsangaya school in Gidan Bakuso, recounted the events, stating that the bandits arrived in the community around 1 am, injuring one person and abducting a woman.

“As they were leaving the town, they noticed our students rushing into their rooms, and they kidnapped several of them. We have identified 15 students who are still missing, and our search efforts continue,” Abubakar revealed.

He further highlighted that this was not the first attack the village has faced from bandits, underscoring the recurring security challenges faced by the community.

Meanwhile, Colonel Ahmed Usman (retired), the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security, received news of the abduction during the graduation ceremony of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps. Prompt action was taken as security officials were immediately alerted.

Kabiru Dauda, the representative of Gada-East Constituency in the state House of Assembly, received a distress call around 2 am, notifying him of the bandit invasion. He swiftly engaged the local government authorities and security agencies, who are actively working to address the situation.

In addition to the student abduction, it was reported that bandits attacked Turba village in Isa Local Government Area, resulting in the tragic deaths of three individuals, including the village head.

The release of the 15 kidnapped pupils brings hope and relief to the affected community, while efforts continue to address the security challenges and protect the well-being of the residents.