Thursday, July 2, 2026 - Fifty community elders abducted by bandits in Zamfara State have regained their freedom after an alleged ransom payment of about N35 million, according to conflict and security journalist Bakatsine.
Bakatsine disclosed in a post on X on Thursday that the
elders, who are from Magamin Diddi community in Maradun Local Government Area,
were released after weeks in captivity.
According to the report, three of the abducted elders died
while in captivity.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped in early June 2026
while on their way to a peace meeting with the bandits, where they had hoped to
negotiate a settlement aimed at ending attacks on their community.
Quoting local sources, Bakatsine said the elders were held
hostage until the reported ransom was paid.
Authorities in Zamfara State have yet to officially comment
on the reported release, the alleged ransom payment, or the deaths of the three
community leaders.
Bakatsine wrote: “UPDATE: The 50 community elders from
Magamin Diddi in Maradun LGA, Zamfara State, who were abducted while on a peace
meeting with bandits to negotiate, have regained their freedom after a ransom
of about ₦35 million was reportedly paid.
“According to local source, three of the abducted elders
died in captivity.
“The elders had travelled in early June 2026 to seek a
negotiated settlement with the bandits before they were taken as hostage.”
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