No fewer than 50 elders in Zamfara state have been abducted by bandits while on reconciliation mission.
The elderly residents of Magamin Diddi village in Magami/Faru ward of Maradun Local Government Area of the state were reportedly kidnapped by a notorious bandit kingpin identified as Janmo who was said to be in control of the Muntsira Forest in the area.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Maradun Local Government, Bello Dosara, disclosed that the community members embarked on the mission without government approval.
Dosara explained that the bandits had earlier restricted villagers’ access to markets but that authorities had been providing weekly security escorts to enable residents to trade safely.
Meanwhile, the council chairman disclosed that 11 of the abducted persons had been released, while 39 remain in captivity.
Also speaking on the development, the councillor representing Magami/Faru ward, Bello Husseini, revealed that the bandit leader had previously clashed with the state security outfit, Askarawa, resulting in casualties on both sides and the seizure of weapons.
Husseni said Janmo had initially requested reconciliation following recent military operations in Kandare village but allegedly betrayed the delegation by abducting them upon arrival.
He disclosed that bandit kingpin is demanding N24 million in exchange for three rifles reportedly seized from his group.
The local officials jointly called on security agencies to launch decisive operations in the “Dajin Natsira” forest, believed to be the stronghold of the bandits, noting that the area has largely escaped sustained military confrontation.
They also appealed to both the Zamfara State Government and the Federal Ministry of Defence to urgently intervene and secure the release of the remaining hostages.