No fewer than 50 community elders abducted by bandits in Zamfara State have regained their freedom after a reported ransom payment of about N35 million.

The development was disclosed on Thursday by conflict and security journalist Bakatsine in a post on X.

According to the report, the victims, who are from Magamin Diddi community in Maradun Local Government Area, were released after spending several weeks in captivity. Three of the abducted elders were also reported to have died while in the custody of their captors.

The elders were kidnapped in early June 2026 while travelling to a peace meeting with the bandits, where they had hoped to negotiate an end to recurring attacks on their community.

Quoting local sources, Bakatsine said the bandits held the elders hostage until a ransom of approximately N35 million was paid, leading to their eventual release.

Bakatsine wrote: “UPDATE: The 50 community elders from Magamin Diddi in Maradun LGA, Zamfara State, who were abducted while on a peace meeting with bandits to negotiate, have regained their freedom after a ransom of about ₦35 million was reportedly paid.

“According to local source, three of the abducted elders died in captivity.

“The elders had travelled in early June 2026 to seek a negotiated settlement with the bandits before they were taken as hostage.”

As of the time of filing this report, the Zamfara State Government and security agencies had not issued an official statement confirming the release, the reported ransom payment, or the deaths of the three elders.

The incident underscores the persistent insecurity in parts of Zamfara State, where armed groups continue to target communities through kidnappings, attacks and extortion despite ongoing security operations.