At least 50 elders from Magamin Diddi village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been abducted by bandits while attempting to broker peace with a notorious bandit leader, in a development that has further highlighted the dangers of negotiating with armed groups in Nigeria’s troubled North-West.
The victims, mostly elderly community representatives, were reportedly part of a delegation sent to meet a bandit kingpin identified as Jammo, who operates from the Muntsira Forest axis of Maradun. According to local officials, the meeting was intended to discuss reconciliation after the bandit leader allegedly expressed interest in ending hostilities and restoring peace in the area.
However, the peace mission ended in tragedy when the bandit leader allegedly detained the entire delegation shortly after they arrived. Reports indicate that 11 of the abducted elders were later released to relay the incident to their communities, while 39 others remain in captivity.
Chairman of Maradun Local Government Area, Bello Dosara, confirmed the incident and stressed that the delegation acted without government approval. He noted that the Zamfara State Government under Governor Dauda Lawal has consistently opposed reconciliation deals with bandits, maintaining that criminal groups should be confronted through security operations rather than negotiations.
Dosara explained that authorities had previously provided security escorts to enable residents access markets after bandits blocked major routes in the area. He expressed disappointment that community members still chose to engage directly with the armed group despite official warnings.
The councillor representing Magami/Faru Ward, Bello Husseini, disclosed that the reconciliation initiative originated from the bandit leader himself. According to him, Jammo claimed he wanted peace following recent clashes between his fighters and local security operatives known as Askarawa. Community leaders reportedly agreed to explore the proposal, believing it could bring relief to residents who have endured years of attacks, killings and displacement.
Husseini said the bandit leader later demanded ₦24 million and sought compensation for three rifles allegedly seized from his men during previous confrontations. He described the abduction of the peace delegation as a betrayal, arguing that the incident demonstrates why many residents remain sceptical about reconciliation efforts with criminal gangs. News)
The incident has renewed debate over the effectiveness of peace agreements with bandits. While some communities have historically pursued dialogue to secure the release of captives and reduce attacks, critics argue that such arrangements often embolden criminal groups and provide opportunities for further extortion.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that Zamfara remains one of the epicentres of banditry in Nigeria, with armed groups operating from vast forest enclaves across the state. The region has witnessed recurring incidents of mass abductions, village attacks and ransom demands despite ongoing military operations.
Local leaders have called on the Federal Government, security agencies and the Zamfara State Government to launch decisive operations in Dajin Natsira and surrounding forests believed to serve as strongholds for bandit groups. They argue that dismantling these camps is essential to restoring security across several local government areas affected by persistent violence.
As families await the safe return of the remaining hostages, the latest abduction underscores the continuing security challenges facing Zamfara and raises fresh concerns about whether community-led negotiations can provide a sustainable solution to the region’s long-running banditry crisis.
