In a rare turn of events, 28 villagers abducted in Katsina State have regained their freedom without any ransom, following a peace arrangement brokered with a notorious bandit leader.
The victims, who had been held captive for several days, were handed over by the group’s commander, identified as Isya Akwashi Garwa, in what local authorities described as a “confidence-building move” aimed at easing hostilities in the area.
Officials confirmed that the hostages were mainly residents of Mairua, Kanen-Haki, and Yar Dabaru, three communities in Faskari Local Government Area that have suffered repeated raids in recent years.
The council received the freed captives on Wednesday after what insiders described as a delicate negotiation process.
According to a senior council official, the breakthrough came through sustained reconciliation talks with the armed group.
“What we have witnessed today is the result of weeks of back-and-forth discussions. The leader kept his word and released the people without any money exchanging hands,” the official told reporters.
Community elders welcomed the move but cautioned that one release was not enough to guarantee long-term peace. They urged Garwa and other criminal leaders to extend the gesture by halting further attacks.
“This should be the beginning of a lasting truce, not a one-time show,” one traditional leader said.
Residents of Faskari also expressed relief as families reunited with their loved ones. While many hailed the release as a step forward, they stressed the need for the government to strengthen security to prevent future abductions.
Security analysts have pointed out that Katsina, one of the states hardest hit by banditry in Northern Nigeria, continues to face challenges despite such peace gestures.
They noted that while dialogue can help calm tensions, it must be accompanied by stronger law enforcement measures to stop further cycles of violence.
The release of the 28 captives has renewed conversations around whether negotiations with armed groups can provide temporary relief or serve as a foundation for long-term peace in the region.