Bandits have freed 45 kidnapped persons they abducted from communities in the Bakori area of Katsina State after after a fresh round of negotiations for peace
21st CENTURY CHRONICLE reports that victims who are mostly women and children were released to the Member representing Bakori Local Government in the Katsina State House of Assembly, Abdurrahman Kandarawa.
It was learnt that the victims were brought back from Tsafe where held captive before their release.
An anonymous local said a sustained sustained dialogue involving community leaders and intermediaries led to peace accord signed last week.
The freeing of the victims is seen as a major confidence-building step in the ongoing attempt to restore stability across the Bakori axis, which has suffered years of repeated attacks and kidnappings.
The lawmaker Kandarawa, who received the freed captives on arrival, said all parties played a role in the negotiations.
He said “the development is a hopeful step toward lasting peace,” and urged communities to continue supporting non-violent approaches that prioritise the safety of residents.
Community leaders also believed that the momentum would lead to the release of more victims still in captivity and ultimately end the cycle of violence.
The Katsina State Government is expected to provide medical care, counselling, and reintegration support for the rescued individuals as efforts continue to strengthen security and foster sustainable peace in Bakori and its surrounding communities.
