37 Abducted Katsina villagers regain freedom after community-led talks

Thirty-seven residents kidnapped from Bakori Local Government Area in Katsina State have been released after weeks of community-led negotiations with bandits, a state lawmaker has announced.

Abdulraham Kandarawa, the representative of Bakori Constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, told reporters on Friday that the new release raises the total number of freed villagers to 82. An earlier batch of 45 captives had been set free under the same peace initiative.

The victims, previously held in Sabe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, were released without ransom after sustained dialogue. Among them are 18 men, 17 women, and two infants.

“With the grace of God, we have finally received our people who were held captive. Insha Allah, they have all returned, and none is left behind,” Kandarawa said.

He explained that the bandits had pledged to release the abductees on the condition that the community remained peaceful—a promise they ultimately kept.

Calling for collective responsibility in sustaining harmony, he added, “Peace is everyone’s responsibility. If we have wronged anyone, we will make amends so we can all live in peace.”

Kandarawa expressed appreciation to the bandits for honoring their commitment, stressing that no ransom was paid.

“This is what they promised, and they fulfilled it today,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has repeatedly distanced his administration from the negotiations, insisting the efforts were entirely initiated by the community.

He nevertheless praised the initiative and lauded the renewed calm brought about by the truce.