37 Katsina Hostages Freed in Landmark Peace Deal with Bandits

Bandits released 37 abducted villagers from Bakori Local Government Area in Katsina State on Friday, marking a major success in community-driven peace efforts without any ransom payment. Abdulrahman Kandarawa, the lawmaker representing Bakori Constituency in the state House of Assembly, confirmed the development to journalists, noting the captives—held in Sabe Local Government Area of neighbouring Zamfara State—were handed over after weeks of sustained dialogue. This latest batch includes 17 women, two infants, and 18 men, bringing the total number of freed individuals under the same arrangement to 82, following an earlier release of 45 captives. ​

Kandarawa expressed gratitude for the outcome, attributing it to divine intervention and the bandits’ adherence to their pledge. “Today, through the grace of God, we have finally received our people who were held captive. Insha Allah, they are back, and none is left in their hands,” he stated, emphasising that the agreement hinged on community commitments to non-violence and peace maintenance. The lawmaker urged residents to sustain calm, assuring that no known Bakori victims remain in captivity, and even thanked the bandits for honouring their word. ​

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Governor Dikko Radda has distanced the state government from direct involvement, describing the negotiations as a purely local initiative while applauding its role in restoring relative peace. Earlier statements from Radda reiterated a policy against official talks with bandits, though he welcomed community-led processes aimed at curbing insecurity in the northwest. This incident echoes similar face-to-face efforts in areas like Faskari LGA, where local leaders secured releases amid ongoing banditry challenges.