A peace initiative aimed at ending recurring abductions in parts of Zamfara State has ended in tragedy after a notorious bandit leader, identified as Jammo, reportedly detained 39 community elders who visited his camp for negotiations.
Fifty elders, from Magamin Diddi village in Magami/Faru Ward of Maradun Local Government Area, were said to have embarked on a peace mission to persuade the bandit leader to halt the frequent kidnapping of residents in the area.
They were however seized shortly after arriving at the forest hideout, and 11 were later released to relay the conditions for the release of the others. The bandit leader is reportedly demanding 24 million naira, claiming the money represents the value of three rifles lost during previous confrontations with security forces.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Maradun Local Government Area, Bello Dosara, disclosed that the elders undertook the mission without the approval of either the local government or the state government.
The incident has renewed calls from local leaders for an intensive military operation against the Dajin Natsira Forest, which they describe as a major operational base for bandit groups terrorising several local government areas in Zamfara State.
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