Bandits free 50 Zamfara elders abducted during peace mission after N35m ransom

Fifty community elders abducted by bandits in Zamfara State have regained their freedom after an alleged ransom payment of about N35 million, according to conflict and security journalist Bakatsine.

Bakatsine disclosed in a post on X on Thursday that the elders, who are from Magamin Diddi community in Maradun Local Government Area, were released after weeks in captivity.

According to the report, three of the abducted elders died while in captivity.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped in early June 2026 while on their way to a peace meeting with the bandits, where they had hoped to negotiate a settlement aimed at ending attacks on their community.

Quoting local sources, Bakatsine said the elders were held hostage until the reported ransom was paid.

Authorities in Zamfara State have yet to officially comment on the reported release, the alleged ransom payment, or the deaths of the three community leaders.

Bakatsine wrote: “UPDATE: The 50 community elders from Magamin Diddi in Maradun LGA, Zamfara State, who were abducted while on a peace meeting with bandits to negotiate, have regained their freedom after a ransom of about ₦35 million was reportedly paid.

“According to local source, three of the abducted elders died in captivity.

“The elders had travelled in early June 2026 to seek a negotiated settlement with the bandits before they were taken as hostage.”