At least 50 elderly residents of Magamin Diddi village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State were reportedly kidnapped after attempting a peace meeting with a notorious bandit leader.
The victims were said to have visited a bandit kingpin known as Jammo, who operates within the Muntsira Forest, as part of a reconciliation effort aimed at restoring peace in the area. However, the mission reportedly turned tragic when the group was held hostage.
Local authorities confirmed the incident, stressing that the reconciliation move was carried out without government approval. Officials reiterated that the state government does not support negotiations with bandits.
According to reports, 11 members of the group were later released, while 39 others remain in captivity. Community leaders disclosed that the bandit leader is allegedly demanding millions of naira linked to previously seized weapons.
Residents and local officials have called for stronger military action against criminal hideouts in the forest, warning that insecurity continues to force many families from their homes and disrupt daily life across affected communities.
