At least 50 community elders abducted by armed bandits while on a peace mission in Nigeria’s northwestern Zamfara State have regained their freedom after a ransom of N35 million was reportedly paid.
The elders were seized while attempting to engage with armed groups in an effort to ease persistent insecurity and foster peace in their communities. Their abduction underscored the worsening security crisis in Zamfara, where criminal gangs have continued to carry out mass kidnappings, deadly raids and extortion despite ongoing military operations.
Local sources said the victims were released after negotiations culminated in the payment of the ransom, although authorities have yet to officially confirm the circumstances surrounding their freedom.
The incident has renewed concerns over the growing reliance on ransom payments to secure the release of kidnap victims, a practice security experts warn could further embolden armed groups operating across northwestern Nigeria.
Zamfara remains one of the states hardest hit by banditry, with communities frequently targeted by heavily armed gangs responsible for kidnappings, killings and widespread displacement.
