45 kidnapped victims freed under peace accord in Katsina

Forty-five abducted persons have regained their freedom in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State following negotiations under the Operation Safe Corridor peace initiative.

The victims — men and women abducted from Guga in Doguwar Dorawa Fulani settlement and Gidan Danmayaki villages — were released on Monday through a negotiation channel linked to a bandit leader identified as Isiya Kwashen Garwa.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the hostages were freed at about 2:00 pm and received by the member representing Bakori Constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly.

They were immediately taken to the Comprehensive Health Centre, Bakori, for medical evaluation to assess their condition after their time in captivity.

Authorities confirmed that the victims have been reunited with their families, while security agencies and community leaders continue to monitor the area to strengthen the ongoing peace efforts and prevent further attacks.