The traditional ruler of Yankuzo, located in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Alhaji Babangida Kogo, who was recently kidnapped by armed bandits, has now been released.

According to reports by Daily Post, the kidnapping happened shortly after a Nigerian Air Force airstrike killed several suspected bandits. The gang, led by a known bandit leader called Ado Allero, suspected the monarch helped the military carry out the attack.

The abduction took place on Tuesday, along the Mararraba road, as the monarch was fleeing his town following the deadly airstrike. Fortunately, he was set free later that same night.

Alhaji Kogo has since returned to his palace in Yankuzo and has reunited safely with his family.

Sources revealed that the bandits believed the monarch gave information to the military, which helped them launch a deadly air raid on a forest area between Yankuzo and Munhaye earlier that day. Over 30 people were killed, and many others were injured in the attack.

However, after questioning him, Ado Allero and his gang realized the monarch had nothing to do with the airstrike and decided to let him go.

A security official confirmed that no ransom was paid. “They only interrogated him and found out he was innocent,” the source said.