At least, 28 abducted persons have regained freedom in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State following a peace arrangement with a notorious bandit kingpin.
The victims, largely residents of Mairua, Kanen-haki, and Yar Dabaru communities were released on Wednesday and handed over to local council officials.
According to Zagazola Makama, the captives identified the bandit commander as Isya Akwashi Garwa, who reportedly freed them without collecting ransom, in line with a reconciliation effort aimed at restoring peace and reducing violent attacks in the area.
Community leaders in Faskari described the release as a welcome development, urging both sides to sustain the peace process.
They also appealed to Garwa to compel other bandits still active in the region to lay down their arms.
A council official, who asked not to be named, confirmed: “The captives were released this afternoon without any ransom being paid. The bandit leader fulfilled his promise under the peace talks.”
Meanwhile, residents expressed relief at the safe return of their loved ones, but also called for stronger security measures to ensure that the fragile peace is not broken.