Alhaji Aminu Masari was told by the suspected bandits that 8 victims were from kankara while 18 came from shimfida in Jibiya local government.
One of the leaders explained that the kidnapped people were hidden at Damsadau forest in Zamfara state.
He said their anductor hail from Zurmi in neighboring Zamfara and was picking his victims from katsina state.
Addressing the returnees, Governor Aminu Masari assured that government would continue to persuade the suspected bandits to release more of the kidnapped people, until there were none in their possession.
He directed for the returnees to be taken to the hospital for check up on their health before uniting them with their families.
One Zinatu Sani from Kankara narrated their ordeal , stressing that she was picked from her matrimonial home with two of her children.
She said that the bandits demanded for a ransome of 20 million naira before they are release .
Zinatu Sani explained that the demand however was reduced to 6 million naira and still, their families could not pay.
She said the suspected bandits used to give them raw rice to cook with only water and salt.
For 55 days, Zinatu Sani said they have been sleeping without a roof on their head, no matter the rains or heat during the day.
She expressed appreciation to the Governor for securing their release, adding that they have left several others that needed similar attention for their release from the Forests.
Highlight of the reception for the returnees was their handover to the transition committee chairmen of kankara and Jibiya local governments for medical check-up and reuniting with their families.
Hassan Muhammad Tukur
Government House Press Centre, Katsina.
