Panic has gripped Magamin Diddi community in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State after bandits abducted 39 persons during a reconciliation meeting reportedly initiated by residents.
The victims were among an initial group of 47 community members who mobilised and entered Fadama Forest on Sunday, June 7, 2026, to meet with relatives of a notorious bandit leader, Jimo Smally.
The meeting was said to be part of efforts to broker peace and secure access to farmlands.
However, the peace move turned tragic when the bandit kingpin and members of his gang allegedly stormed the meeting venue and abducted 39 participants. Eleven others were reportedly released.
A resident of the area, Musa Sani, said the community embarked on the reconciliation effort in a bid to resume farming activities.
“We decided to reconcile with them so we could go to our farms this year,” he said.
Confirming the incident, the chairman of Maradun Local Government Area, Bello Dosara, said the community did not inform either the local or state authorities before initiating the reconciliation process.
He described the incident as avoidable, stressing that both the state and local governments had consistently warned against negotiating with armed groups.
“Everybody knows Governor Dauda Lawal is against reconciliation with bandits,” he said, adding that security agencies have since commenced rescue operations.
The Zamfara State Police Command also confirmed the development in a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, noting that the report of the mass abduction was received on June 8.
He stated that operatives had been deployed to track the perpetrators and rescue the victims, assuring that efforts are ongoing to ensure their safe return.