Suspected bandits have reportedly released 28 abductees in the Faskari LGA of Katsina state following a peace deal.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, said the captives, mostly residents of the Mairua, Kanen-haki and Yar Dabaru communities, were released on Wednesday and handed over to officials of the council.
Quoting sources, Makama said the release was part of a reconciliation effort spearheaded by local authorities to reduce violent attacks in the area, noting 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.
Advertisement
Makama noted that community leaders in Faskari described the development as a positive step, urging both sides to sustain the process.
The publication noted that the leaders also appealed to the bandit leaders to prevail on other groups still attacking communities in the area to stand down.
Makama added that residents expressed relief at the safe return of their loved ones but called for stronger security guarantees to ensure lasting peace.
Advertisement
