Bandits free 50 Zamfara elders abducted during peace mission after N35m ransom

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