Twenty-eight abducted residents of Katsina State regained freedom after a negotiated peace deal with a bandit leader.
Officials say no ransom was paid, marking a hopeful step toward restoring lasting security.
Twenty-eight people who were abducted in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State have regained their freedom without any ransom following a negotiated peace deal with a notorious bandit leader.
The armed group, reportedly led by its commander Isya Akwashi Garwa, released the captives on Wednesday and handed them over to officials of the local council. Most of those freed were residents of Mairua, Kanen-haki, and Yar Dabaru communities, according to local sources.
Authorities in the area said the release was the result of a reconciliation initiative aimed at restoring calm and curbing recurring attacks. Community leaders welcomed the development, describing it as an encouraging step and urging all parties to maintain the agreement. They also appealed to the commander to persuade other armed groups still operating in the area to lay down their arms.
A council official, who did not want to be named, explained that no ransom was involved and that the release was part of the ongoing dialogue. Residents of the affected communities expressed relief over the safe return of their loved ones and called for stronger security measures to sustain the new atmosphere of peace.
