Gunmen Abduct 39 Elders in Zamfara During Reconciliation

On Sunday, gunmen abducted 39 elders from Magamin Diddi Village in the Magami Faru Ward of Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, while they were on a reconciliation mission. Bello Dosara, the chairman of Maradun Local Government Area, confirmed the incident, stating that the elders were not authorized by the government to proceed with the reconciliation talks.

The bandit kingpin controlling the Muntsira Forest is reportedly behind the abduction, demanding N24 million in exchange for the release of the captives. Bello Husseini, a councillor representing the Magami Faru Ward, revealed that previous negotiations with the bandits had led to the release of 11 members of the group, but the remaining 39 were taken hostage.

The situation has worsened, with the community facing severe insecurity and repeated attacks from bandits, leading to forced relocations and a decline in economic activities. Local leaders are calling for military action against the bandits operating in the Dajin Natsira Forest.