June 8 (THEWILL) — Armed bandits have abducted 39 elders from Magamin Diddi village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State during a reconciliation mission to foster peace and improve relations between the community and a criminal group operating in the area.
THEWILL gathered that the victims were part of a delegation that travelled to Fadama Forest to meet with the parents of a notorious bandit leader identified as Smally in an effort to seek peaceful coexistence and address security concerns affecting the community.
Sources said the initiative was intended to ease tensions and address challenges faced by residents, who have reportedly been subjected to various restrictions imposed by bandits.
However, the peace mission took a dramatic turn while discussions were ongoing, as the bandit leader allegedly arrived at the meeting location with members of his gang and abducted dozens of the participants, taking them to an unknown destination.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Maradun Local Government Area, Bello Dosara, described the development as unfortunate and stressed that the reconciliation effort was initiated independently by members of the community without the approval or knowledge of the local government authority.
According to Dosara, both the local government and the Zamfara State Government have maintained a firm position against negotiating with bandits.
He disclosed that Magamin Diddi community had been experiencing restrictions imposed by criminal elements, including limited access to markets and economic activities, but noted that authorities had consistently provided security escorts to enable residents to move safely and carry out their daily activities.
The council chairman further revealed that some of the abducted persons had been released by the bandits to relay information about the incident to members of the community, while efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still being held captive.
Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the abduction and announced the commencement of rescue operations.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, the Command said information received from the District Head of Magamin Diddi indicated that 47 residents had mobilised themselves for the reconciliation mission on June 7, 2026.
The police spokesperson stated that 39 members of the group were subsequently abducted and taken to an unknown location.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Zamfara State Police Command immediately initiated efforts to trace the whereabouts of the victims and secure their safe rescue. Operational assets have been deployed, and security operatives are working on available intelligence to locate the abducted persons”, Abubakar said.
He assured residents that efforts were being intensified to ensure the victims regain their freedom safely and that those responsible for the incident are apprehended.
“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 added.
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