39 elders still held after bandit abduction in Zamfara

At least 39 community elders remain in captivity after being abducted by bandits during a peace meeting in Zamfara State. The incident occurred on Sunday in the Fadama forest area of Maradun Local Government Area, where a delegation from Magamin Diddi village had sought to negotiate with a local bandit leader.

Local residents and officials stated that approximately 50 elders had mobilized to meet with a bandit leader identified as Jammo, also known as Jimo Smally, who operates from the Muntsira forest. The community's goal was to broker a reconciliation to halt attacks and allow farmers to safely access their fields during the current farming season. Instead, the armed group surrounded and seized the delegation during the encounter.

Maradun Local Government Chairman Bello Dosara confirmed the incident, describing it as unfortunate and stressing that the community undertook the mission without informing or seeking approval from local or state authorities. He reiterated that the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal is firmly opposed to reconciliation with bandits. According to Dosara, 11 of the abducted individuals have been released, while 39 are still held. He said those freed...