Fifty community elders kidnapped by bandits in Zamfara State have been released after a reported ransom payment of about ₦35 million.
Conflict and security journalist Bakatsine shared the update on X on Thursday, saying the elders — from Magamin Diddi community in Maradun Local Government Area — were freed after weeks in captivity.
Citing local sources, Bakatsine said three of the elders died while being held.
The victims were seized in early June while heading to a peace meeting with the bandits, where they had hoped to negotiate an end to attacks on their community.
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,” Bakatsine wrote.
He added that three of the elders died in captivity, according to local sources, noting that the group had travelled in early June 2026 to seek a negotiated settlement with the bandits before they were taken hostage.
As of the time of this report, the Zamfara State Government and security agencies had not officially commented on the release, the alleged ransom payment, or the deaths of the three elders.
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