At least 39 residents of Magamin Diddi village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been abducted by armed bandits while on a reconciliation mission aimed at restoring peace in the area.
The victims, mostly community elders, reportedly travelled to Fadama Forest to meet with the parents of a notorious bandit leader known as Smally. The meeting was intended to improve relations between the village and the armed group and ease tensions that have disrupted daily life.
However, the peace effort ended in tragedy when the bandit leader allegedly arrived with members of his gang and seized dozens of those attending the gathering, taking them to an unknown location.
Chairman of Maradun Local Government Area, Bello Dosara, confirmed the incident and described it as unfortunate. He said the reconciliation initiative was organised by villagers without the knowledge or approval of the local government.
According to Dosara, both the local government and the Zamfara State Government have consistently opposed negotiations with bandits. He added that despite restrictions imposed on residents by armed groups, including limited access to markets, security escorts have regularly been provided to help communities carry out their activities safely.
The council chairman also revealed that some of the abducted residents were later released by the bandits to relay information about the incident to the community, while efforts continue to secure the freedom of those still in captivity.
Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the abduction and launched a rescue operation.
Police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar said authorities received a report from the district head of Magamin Diddi indicating that 47 residents mobilised themselves for 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.
Abubakar said operational assets have been deployed to the area, with security operatives acting on available intelligence to locate the victims and secure their safe release.
“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,” he said.
