37 Katsina kidnap victims freed after peace negotiations

Thirty-seven villagers abducted from Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State have regained their freedom following weeks of negotiations with bandits, a state lawmaker has confirmed.

Abdulraham Kandarawa, who represents Bakori Constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, told journalists on Friday that the latest release brings the total number of freed villagers to 82. Previously, 45 captives had been released under the same peace arrangement.

The abductees, who had been held in Sabe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, were released without any ransom following sustained negotiations. The freed group includes 18 men, 17 women, and two infants.

“Through the grace of God, we have finally received our people who were held captive.

“Insha Allah, they are back, and none remains in their hands,” Kandarawa said.

The lawmaker explained that the bandits had promised to release the captives if the community committed to maintaining peace—a pledge they fulfilled.

He urged all citizens to embrace harmony, saying, “It is everybody’s business. If we have offended anyone, we will amend, just to live in peace.”

Kandarawa thanked the bandits for honoring their word, emphasising that no ransom was paid.

“This is what they promised, and they fulfilled it today,” he said.

Meanwhile, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has consistently denied any state involvement in the negotiations, describing the initiative as purely community-driven.

He commended the effort and celebrated the restoration of peace in the state through the truce.