An emir kidnapped in northern Nigeria's Kaduna state has been freed while 13 other family members remained in captivity, his son said Tuesday.

The attackers, known locally as bandits, stormed the palace of 83-year-old Alhassan Adamu, the emir of Kajuru outside the state capital of Kaduna early on Sunday, and seized victims, including women and children.

Emirs are revered in predominantly Muslim northern Nigeria as custodians of Islam and tradition. They have no constitutional role, but wield influence and act as a link between the people and government.

Usman Umar reports.