Armed bandits have abducted 39 residents in Zamfara State while they were reportedly on a peace-seeking reconciliation mission in Magamin Diddi village, Maradun Local Government Area, according to Channels Television.
The victims, mostly community elders, had travelled to Fadama Forest to meet the parents of a known bandit leader identified as Smally in an effort to ease tensions and improve relations between the community and armed groups.
During the meeting, the bandit leader and members of his gang allegedly arrived at the scene and took away dozens of participants to an unknown location.
The Chairman of Maradun Local Government Area confirmed the incident, describing it as unfortunate. He said the reconciliation effort was organised by villagers without the approval of local authorities.
He added that both the local and state governments have maintained opposition to negotiations with armed groups, while noting that the community had been operating under restrictions imposed by bandits, including limited access to markets.
Security officials also confirmed that some of those initially taken were released to inform the community about the incident, while efforts continue to secure the release of others still held.
The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the abduction in a statement through its spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar.
According to the police, 47 residents had mobilised for the meeting on June 7, 2026, but 39 were later taken by armed men into the forest.
The command said it has deployed operational assets and is working with intelligence-led operations to locate and rescue the victims.
Police assured residents that efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons and to apprehend those responsible.
