Zamfara State releases 50 kidnapped elders after alleged N35 million ransom

Fifty community elders from the Magamin Diddi village in Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, were released on July 2, 2026 after weeks of captivity. They had been abducted in early June while traveling to a peace meeting with armed bandits, hoping to negotiate an end to attacks on their community.

According to conflict reporter Bakatsine, the release followed an alleged payment of about ₦35 million in ransom. Three of the elders died while in captivity. Neither the Zamfara State government nor security agencies have confirmed the ransom payment or the deaths.