Suspected bandits have reportedly freed 28 abductees in Faskari Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State after reaching a peace deal.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the captives—mostly residents of Mairua, Kanen-haki, and Yar Dabaru communities—were released on Wednesday and handed over to local council officials.
Quoting sources, the publication said the release formed part of a reconciliation initiative spearheaded by local authorities to reduce violent attacks in the area, adding that no ransom was paid.
“The captives were released this afternoon without any ransom being paid. The bandit leader fulfilled his promise under the peace talks,” Makama quoted one of the sources as saying.
Community leaders in Faskari described the release as a welcome development and urged all parties to sustain the peace process.
The leaders also appealed to the bandit leaders to persuade other groups still attacking communities in the region to stand down.
Makama added that while residents expressed relief at the safe return of their loved ones, they also called for stronger security measures to guarantee lasting peace in the area.