Key facts
- Dozens of villagers were abducted by armed bandits in Zamfara state, Nigeria.
- The abductions occurred during a meeting intended for peace negotiations.
- Authorities confirmed 39 people were seized, though some residents estimate the number to be around 50.
- The bandits are demanding a ransom of 125 million naira for the captives' release.
- Security forces are engaged in efforts to rescue the abducted villagers.
Armed bandits in north-west Nigeria's Zamfara state abducted 39 villagers who had gathered for a meeting about potential peace negotiations, authorities and residents reported. The incident occurred on Sunday near Magamin Diddi village in the Maradun municipality.
According to a police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, the bandit leader arrived with his gang during the ongoing meeting and forcefully took the villagers to an unknown destination. Some local residents and officials believe the actual number of abductees could be as high as 50.
The chair of the Maradun local government expressed skepticism about reconciliation with bandits, noting that the group had recently blocked roads in anger over perceived killings by security operatives. This official questioned the community's decision to meet with aggrieved bandits.
Zamfara state has been grappling with a persistent security crisis involving armed groups, often referred to as bandits, who engage in mass kidnappings, killings, and raids, disrupting farming and displacing thousands. Despite official warnings, individual negotiations with kidnappers have occurred.
Security forces have been deployed to locate the victims. Local reports indicate that some individuals were released by the abductors to convey their ransom demands, which amount to 125 million naira (£69,000) for the release of all captives. Police assured that efforts are underway to rescue the victims unharmed and bring the perpetrators to justice.