More than 140 residents who had been held captive by armed bandits in Zamfara State have regained their freedom following ongoing peace negotiations in the region.
The victims, numbering 142, were released by a notorious bandit leader identified as Muhammadu Dansaadiyya.
Security sources disclosed that the release happened without any conditions attached, a development seen as a breakthrough in dialogue aimed at reducing violence in the North-West.
According to reports, the abductees were drawn from several communities across Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, including Gidan Gardawa, Kyambarawa, Maguru, Kurya Madaro, Kagara, Yankaba, Madira, and Dogon Daji.
“They were freed on Wednesday morning and immediately taken to the General Hospital in Kaura Namoda for medical examination.
“Afterwards, they were debriefed by security officials and later reunited with their families,” a source familiar with the development confirmed.
Government authorities described the release as part of ongoing non-kinetic measures by the federal government to restore lasting peace in Zamfara and other parts of the troubled North-West.
A senior official involved in the peace talks noted that dialogue remains a key tool in addressing banditry.
“This shows that a non-violent approach can yield results in rescuing people who have been in captivity,” the official said.
The development comes amid heightened calls for both security operations and peaceful engagement to address the worsening insecurity that has displaced thousands across the state.