By Muhammad Mamman
Thirty-seven people abducted by armed bandits in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State have been released, according to a state lawmaker.
Alhaji Abdulrahman Kandarawa, who represents the Bakori constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, confirmed the development to journalists on Friday. He said the victims, seized earlier in the week during raids on several rural communities, regained their freedom after negotiations led by local authorities and community leaders.
Kandarawa did not disclose whether a ransom was paid but stated that all freed individuals were undergoing medical checks and debriefing. “We thank God they are back alive. Efforts are ongoing to ensure that remaining security challenges in the area are addressed,” he told reporters.
Residents say the wave of kidnappings in Bakori and surrounding LGAs has deepened fear among rural communities, where banditry and cattle rustling have persisted despite multiple military operations.
Local officials have urged the federal government to step up security deployments to end the repeated attacks and protect farming communities as the dry-season harvest approaches.
