TDAt least 50 elderly men from Magamin Diddi village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been abducted by a notorious bandit leader, Jammo, during a reconciliation mission.
The elders, aged between 60 and 80, had gone to Muntsira Forest to negotiate peace and prevent further attacks on their community.
Local officials confirmed that Jammo betrayed the delegation, taking them hostage.
Eleven of the abducted elders have, however, been released to deliver his demands, while 38–39 remain in captivity.
Reports indicate Jammo is demanding ₦24 million, linked to rifles seized from his group during clashes with local vigilantes.
Chairman of Maradun LGA, Bello Dosara, condemned the mission, stressing that Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration does not support reconciliation with bandits.
Councillor Bello Husseini described the abduction as proof that armed groups cannot be trusted.
Husseini urged security agencies to launch sustained operations against Muntsira Forest, a long-standing bandit stronghold.
Key Details of the Incident
- Location: Magamin Diddi village, Magami/Faru Ward, Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
- Date: Reported on June 8, 2026.
- Victims: Around 50 elderly men (ages 60–80) who formed a delegation to meet Jammo.
- Outcome:
- 11 elders released to deliver Jammo’s demands.
- 38–39 elders still held hostage in Muntsira Forest (also called Dajin Natsira).
- Bandit Leader: Jammo, a feared kingpin operating from Muntsira Forest.
- Ransom Demand: ₦24 million, allegedly tied to rifles seized from his group during clashes with local vigilantes (Askarawa).
Context and Background
- Government Stance: Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration has consistently opposed reconciliation with bandits. The elders acted independently, without official approval.
- Market Blockade: Jammo had previously restricted villagers’ access to local markets, forcing authorities to provide weekly security escorts.
- Security Clashes:
- Local vigilantes (Askarawa) killed two of Jammo’s fighters and seized rifles.
- Bandits retaliated during Ramadan, killing two vigilantes and taking weapons.
- Jammo later requested reconciliation after losing more fighters in military operations, but betrayed the elders by abducting them.
Risks and Implications
- Humanitarian Risk: The abducted elders are vulnerable due to age (60–80 years), raising concerns about health and survival in captivity.
- Security Risk: The incident underscores the dangers of unauthorized negotiations with armed groups, which often exploit peace talks to entrap communities.
- Regional Impact: Muntsira Forest remains a stronghold for bandits, affecting multiple LGAs including Maru, Talata Mafara, Bakura, Anka, Gummi, Bukkuyum, and Bungudu.
