At least 50 elderly residents of Magamin Diddi community in Zamfara State have reportedly been abducted by bandits after undertaking a self-organized peace mission to engage a notorious bandit leader known as Jammo.
According to local accounts, the elders traveled to a camp in the Muntsira Forest to discuss reconciliation and seek an end to attacks affecting their community. The meeting reportedly followed the death of one of Jammo’s fighters during a recent military operation.
The delegation, composed largely of unarmed elderly men, was said to have embarked on the trip without official authorization from local government authorities or security agencies. However, the peace effort ended abruptly when the group was allegedly detained by the bandit leader and his associates.
Reports indicate that 11 members of the delegation were later released and sent back to the community with a message demanding the provision of three rifles reportedly valued at about ₦24 million as a condition for the release of the remaining captives.
The incident has generated concern among local leaders and residents, who fear for the safety of those still being held.
Bello Dosara and local councillor Bello Husseini reportedly criticized the initiative, arguing that unauthorized negotiations with armed groups can expose communities to further risks.
They noted that many bandit groups operating in Zamfara have previously imposed restrictions on farming activities, blocked access to local markets, demanded levies from residents, and carried out kidnappings despite earlier peace overtures.
The abduction underscores the continuing security challenges facing parts of northwestern Nigeria, where communities have often found themselves caught between military operations and the activities of heavily armed criminal groups.
Security analysts have long warned that while dialogue can sometimes play a role in conflict resolution, peace initiatives involving armed non-state actors require careful coordination with relevant authorities to reduce risks to participants.
The latest incident is likely to renew debate over how best to address insecurity in Zamfara and other affected states, where thousands of people have been displaced by years of bandit attacks, kidnappings, and rural violence.
As efforts continue to secure the release of the abducted elders, community leaders are urging residents to avoid independent negotiations with armed groups and instead work through established security and governmental channels.
The fate of the remaining captives remains uncertain, and authorities are expected to intensify efforts to secure their safe return while preventing further attacks in the area.
