No fewer than 36 villagers kidnapped by bandits terrorising communities in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State have regained their freedom.
Their release followed a peace agreement brokered between a notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, and local representatives.
The villagers’ release marks one of the latest breakthroughs in ongoing reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring calm to Zamfara’s troubled areas.
Comprising 22 men and 14 women, the victims, including a 60-year-old man identified as Adamu Kwankwami, were said to have endured several weeks in captivity before being freed.
Medical officials at Shinkafi General Hospital confirmed that the freed captives were brought in for routine health checks before being reunited with their families.
A senior health worker, who spoke to correspondents anonymously, said: “We ensured they were physically stable before discharging them. Fortunately, none of them sustained any injury.”
Also, a community leader in Shinkafi described the release as “a positive step towards lasting peace,” adding that ongoing dialogue between local communities and armed groups might help reduce future attacks.
“What we want is peace. These people have suffered enough, and every step that leads to safety is welcome,” he said.
The Guild reports that, following the successful release of the villagers, government authorities and community members continue to call for strengthened peace talks and an improved security presence across rural Zamfara to curb the cycle of abductions.
