Bandits Abduct 50 Elders During Peace Mission -Zamfara

By Babatunji Wusu| Suspected bandits have abducted 50 elderly residents of Magamin Diddi village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State after they reportedly travelled to Dajin Natsira forest for a reconciliation meeting with a notorious bandit leader known as Jammo.

Confirming the incident, Maradun Local Government Chairman, Bello Dosara, said the peace initiative was organised without the knowledge or approval of the state government.

According to Dosara, the Zamfara State Government has consistently opposed negotiations and reconciliation efforts with armed groups. He noted that Governor Dauda Lawal had never endorsed such engagements.

“We are against reconciliation with the bandits & Governor Dauda Lawal never supported that, but unknown to us the people chose to go on with it,” Dosara said.

The chairman disclosed that the bandit leader later released 11 of the abducted individuals, while 39 others remain in captivity.

“He released some to just brief the people on the unfortunate incident,” he added.

Speaking on the development, Bello Husseini, Councillor representing Magami/Faru Ward, explained that the meeting was initiated after Jammo allegedly expressed interest in reconciliation following the death of one of his fighters during a military operation.

However, Husseini said the situation took a different turn when the delegation arrived at the forest, alleging that the bandit leader betrayed the group and held them hostage.

According to him, Jammo is demanding ₦24 million in exchange for three rifles previously recovered from his group.

Husseini reiterated opposition to any form of reconciliation with criminal groups, arguing that they cannot be trusted to honour agreements.

Both local government officials called on security agencies to intensify military operations in Dajin Natsira forest, expressing confidence that stronger action could help restore peace and improve security across affected communities in Zamfara State.