50 Abducted Zamfara Elders Regain Freedom After Alleged ₦35 Million Ransom

Fifty community elders abducted by bandits in Zamfara State have regained their freedom after an alleged ransom payment of about ₦35 million.

Conflict and security journalist, Bakatsine, disclosed this in a post on 𝕏 on Thursday.

According to the report, the elders, who are from Magamin Diddi community in Maradun Local Government Area, were released after spending weeks in captivity.

Bakatsine, quoting local sources, said three of the abducted elders died while in captivity.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped in early June while travelling to a peace meeting with the bandits to negotiate an end to attacks on their community.

Bakatsine wrote, “UPDATE: The 50 community elders from Magamin Diddi in Maradun LGA, Zamfara State, who were abducted while on a peace meeting with bandits to negotiate, have regained their freedom after a ransom of about ₦35 million was reportedly paid.

“According to local source, three of the abducted elders died in captivity.

“The elders had travelled in early June 2026 to seek a negotiated settlement with the bandits before they were taken as hostage.”

The Zamfara State Government and security agencies had yet to officially comment on the reported release, the alleged ransom payment or the deaths of the three community leaders as of the time of filing this report.