37 Katsina Kidnap Victims Regain Freedom After Peace Negotiations with Bandits — Lawmaker Confirms!

37 Katsina Kidnap Victims Regain Freedom After Peace Negotiations with Bandits — Lawmaker Confirms!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

At least 37 villagers abducted from Bakori Local Government Area in Katsina State have reportedly regained their freedom after a series of peace negotiations with armed bandits, according to a state lawmaker. [1]

“Today, through the grace of God, we have finally received our people who were held captive. They are back — and none is left in their hands,” said State House of Assembly member Abdulraham Ahmad Kandarawa, representing Bakori constituency. [2]

What Happened

• The 37 freed individuals — reportedly 17 women, two children and 18 men — were released after a local peace agreement struck between community negotiators and the bandit group accused of the abductions. [2]
• According to Kandarawa, the release came without any ransom payment. [2]
• The freed captives were handed over to community and health officials for medical screening before being reunited with their families. [2] Why This Matters The incident reflects the growing trend in parts of Northern Nigeria where communities — rather than federal security forces — resort to negotiations with bandits to recover abductees.
• While the release offers relief to the affected families, reliance on such informal deals raises concerns about legitimizing armed criminal groups and weakening the deterrence effect of law enforcement.

What to Watch

• Whether the agreement leads to sustained peace in the affected communities — or if the bandits will return to criminal activities.
• Response from state and federal government: will such negotiations be condemned or legitimized?
• The welfare and reintegration of the freed victims, and the safety measures to protect them from retaliatory attacks.

Citations:

1. Businessday NG: businessday.ng/news/article/37-kidnap-victims-regain-freedom-after-negotiations-with-bandits-in-katsina-says-lawmaker/?amp=&utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Businessday NG: businessday.ng/news/article/37-kidnap-victims-regain-freedom-after-negotiations-with-bandits-in-katsina-says-lawmaker/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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