By Gloria Drealomalicha
Suspected armed bandits have abducted 50 elderly residents of Magamin Diddi village in Magami/Faru ward of Maradun Local Government Area in Zamfara State, in a disturbing incident that has further heightened insecurity concerns in the region.
The victims were reportedly seized by a notorious bandit leader identified as Jammo, who operates within the Muntsira forest in Maradun LGA, after they travelled on what was intended to be a reconciliation mission.
According to local sources, the elderly delegation had gone to engage the armed group in dialogue after repeated restrictions were placed on their access to local markets.
Confirming the development to Daily Trust, the Councillor representing Magami/Faru ward, Bello Husseini, explained that the situation stemmed from a cycle of violence between the bandits and members of a local security outfit, the Askarawa.
He noted that Jammo had previously clashed with the security group, during which two of his associates were killed and their weapons seized. In a retaliatory attack during the last fasting period, the armed group reportedly killed two members of the Askarawa and also took away their rifles.
Husseini further revealed that the bandit leader recently called for reconciliation following the killing of one of his men during a military operation in Kandare village. Despite concerns over security risks, the local community reportedly agreed to send a 50-man delegation to meet him.
However, upon arrival, the delegation was allegedly betrayed and taken hostage. Eleven of the abducted elders have since been released, while the remaining 39 are still in captivity.
The councillor added that Jammo is now demanding ₦24 million in exchange for the three rifles seized from his group.
“We are against any form of reconciliation because we know they are not trustworthy. They can speak one truth against a hundred lies,” Husseini said. “The people he held hostage were elderly men who went in good faith. He betrayed them after claiming he was tired of banditry and wanted peace.”
He also disclosed that insecurity in the area had forced him to relocate from his ward, despite his opposition to any form of reconciliation with armed groups.
The incident underscores the fragile and often dangerous nature of peace efforts in parts of northern Nigeria, where communities continue to grapple with recurring cycles of violence and mistrust.
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