By Adamu Tela Bakori
Thirty-seven abducted persons have regained their freedom in Bakori Local Government Area, Katsina State, following sustained peace efforts between affected communities and bandits—an initiative that has recently led to multiple releases of captives.
The victims, abducted by the notorious bandit leader Isiya Kwashen-Garwa, were freed on Friday, 28 November 2025. Their release comes just 11 days after another group of 45 abductees was set free, signaling what officials describe as growing progress in community-led peace negotiations.
The Chairman of Bakori Local Government Area, Hon. Abubakar Musa Barde, and the member representing Bakori Constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, Engr. Abdurrahman Ahmad Kandarawa, jointly received the 37 victims upon their arrival. Officials say the releases are a direct outcome of continuous dialogue, confidence-building measures, and coordinated engagement between local leaders and armed groups.
Authorities expressed optimism that the peace initiative, which aims to de-escalate violence and restore security across vulnerable communities, will lead to the safe return of more captives and a gradual end to hostilities in the region.
