Zamfara Monarch, Hassan Ato, Finally Regains Freedom

By Akinwale Kasali

After 32 days in captivity, Hassan Ato, Emir, Sarkin Fulanin Bungudu in Zamfara State, has finally regained freedom.

There was a sigh of relief from the Governor Bello Matawalle led Zamfara State Government over the release of the Monarch, as pressure had mounted on the Governor over the spate of insecurity in the State.

Announcing the return of the Monarch Sunday, October 17th, 2021, the Bungudu Emirate Council said the Emir was kidnapped in mid-September with his police orderly on the Kaduna-Abuja highway while they were  travelling to Abuja.

It did not, however, reveal whether the Monarch was released by the bandits on payment of  ransom, or rescued by security personnel.

A nephew of the Emir, who is also an aide of the Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, confirmed the release of the Monarch.

“They’re presently in Kaduna with some family members,” he said.

In a Statement by the Emirate Council, with the title; ‘THE EMIR OF BUNGUDU HAS REGAINED FREEDOM’, it said: “The Emir of Bungudu (Sarkin Fulanin Bungudu) Alhaji Hassan Attahiru has regained freedom after 32 days in captivity.

“On behalf of the family and Bungudu Emirate, we wish to thank everyone for the prayers and support during this trying time.

“We appreciate all the efforts of Kaduna State Government throughout this challenging period.

“Our immense gratitude to the Zamfara State Government in playing a key role to see our father returned home safely.

“We salute the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) for the support in faciliting the release of the Emir.

“We wish to plead with the public to respect the privacy of the Emir in the coming weeks as he receives medical attention and post-trauma management.”