•Note: The cover image is AI generated merely for illustration purpose only.
ZAMFARA – Suspected bandits have abducted 50 elderly residents of Magamin Diddi village in the Magami/Faru ward of Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State after luring them into a reconciliation meeting.
The victims were seized by a notorious bandit kingpin identified as Jammo, who operates from the Muntsira Forest in Maradun LGA, according to Daily Trust.
The elders had reportedly visited the bandits’ hideout as part of efforts to resolve persistent disputes , had prevented residents from accessing local markets.
Confirming the incident, the councillor representing Magami/Faru ward, Bello Husseini, said Jammo had earlier sought reconciliation with the communities following a series of violent clashes involving security operatives and local vigilantes.
Husseini explained that Jammo’s group previously lost two lieutenants and their rifles during a confrontation with the Zamfara State security outfit, Askarawa.
In retaliation during the last Ramadan fasting period, the bandits reportedly killed two members of the security outfit and carted away their weapons.
The councillor further disclosed that Jammo renewed calls for peace after one of his associates was killed during a recent military operation in Kandare village. Despite government opposition to negotiating with bandits, community members agreed to engage him.
A 50-member delegation was subsequently assembled and sent to meet the bandit leader. However, upon their arrival, Jammo allegedly reneged on the agreement and held all members of the delegation hostage, later releasing only 11 of them.
Husseini said the bandit kingpin is now demanding N24 million in exchange for the release of the remaining captives, claiming the money is compensation for three rifles seized from his group.
“We are against any form of reconciliation because we know they are not trustworthy. They can tell one truth against a hundred lies.
“The people he is holding were elderly men and he had no justification for abducting them. He deceived them by claiming he was tired of banditry and wanted peace,” Husseini said.
The councillor added that worsening insecurity in the area had forced him to relocate from his ward, stressing that he remains opposed to any reconciliation efforts with armed groups.
•Note: The cover image is AI generated merely for illustration purpose only.
