Armed bandits in Nigeria's Zamfara state abducted dozens of villagers who had gathered for peace talks. Authorities stated 39 people were seized, though some residents believe the number could be higher. The bandits are reportedly demanding a ransom for their release.
The incident underscores the severe and worsening security situation in north-west Nigeria, where banditry continues to disrupt daily life, displace communities, and pose significant challenges to peace-building efforts despite ongoing security operations.
Armed bandits in north-west Nigeria abducted dozens of villagers whom they had invited to a meeting about potential peace negotiations, authorities and residents reported. The incident occurred on Sunday near Magamin Diddi village in Zamfara state, with local police stating 39 people were seized, although some residents believe the number could be as high as 50.
The victims were reportedly meeting relatives of a bandit leader in an effort to foster peace and ease community restrictions. However, the bandit leader allegedly arrived with his gang and forcibly abducted the attendees.
The chair of the Maradun local government indicated that state authorities do not support reconciliation with bandits. He noted that the bandits had recently blocked roads to the community market in anger over persistent killings of their members by security operatives, questioning the community's decision to meet with the aggrieved group.
Zamfara state is experiencing a prolonged security crisis marked by mass kidnappings, killings, and village raids by armed groups, which have disrupted farming and displaced thousands. Despite official warnings, individual negotiations with kidnappers have occurred.
Security forces have deployed personnel and intelligence assets to locate the victims. Local reports indicate that some individuals were released to convey the kidnappers' ransom demands, which amount to 125 million naira (£69,000). Police assured that all efforts are being made to rescue the captives unharmed and bring the perpetrators to justice.