Bandits Abduct 39 Villagers During Peace Mission In Zamfara

No fewer than 39 residents of Magamin Diddi community in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been abducted by armed bandits while on a reconciliation mission aimed at fostering peace between the community and the criminal group.

The victims, mostly elders and community leaders, reportedly travelled to Fadama Forest to meet with the parents of a notorious bandit leader known as Smally as part of efforts to improve relations and seek a peaceful resolution to ongoing tensions.

However, the peace initiative took a tragic turn when the bandit leader allegedly arrived at the meeting location with members of his gang and abducted dozens of participants, taking them to an unknown destination.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Maradun Local Government Area, Bello Dosara, described the development as unfortunate and revealed that the reconciliation effort was carried out without the approval or knowledge of the local government authorities.

According to him, both the local government and the Zamfara State Government have maintained a firm stance against negotiating with bandits.

Dosara explained that the affected community had been facing several restrictions imposed by armed groups, including limitations on access to local markets. He noted, however, that security escorts had regularly been provided to help residents carry out their daily activities safely.

The council chairman also disclosed that some of the abducted individuals were later released by the bandits to deliver information about the incident to the community, while efforts continue to secure the release of those still in captivity.

Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the abduction and announced the commencement of a rescue operation.

In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the command received a report from the District Head of Magamin Diddi indicating that 47 residents had organised the reconciliation meeting on June 7, 2026.

According to the police, 39 members of the group were subsequently abducted and taken to an undisclosed location.

The spokesperson stated that security agencies have deployed operational assets to the area and are currently working with available intelligence to track the victims and facilitate their rescue.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Zamfara State Police Command immediately initiated efforts to trace the whereabouts of the victims and secure their safe rescue.”

“Operational assets have been deployed, and security operatives are working on available intelligence to locate the abducted persons,” Abubakar said.

The police assured residents that every possible effort is being made to rescue the victims unharmed and ensure those responsible face justice.

“The Command assures members of the public that every effort is being made to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed, and the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the PPRO added.

The incident highlights the continuing security challenges facing communities in Zamfara State, where bandit attacks, kidnappings, and violent crimes remain a major concern despite ongoing security operations.