The victims, said to be mainly community elders, reportedly travelled to Fadama Forest to meet the parents of a notorious bandit commander known as Smally as part of efforts to restore peaceful relations between the village and the armed group.
Sources said the discussions were ongoing when the bandit leader allegedly appeared with members of his gang and forcefully took dozens of the participants to an unknown destination.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Maradun Local Government Area, Bello Dosara, described the development as regrettable and disclosed that the initiative was carried out without the consent or involvement of the local council.
According to him, both the local government and the Zamfara State Government have maintained a firm position against negotiating with bandits.
Dosara explained that although communities in the area have faced restrictions imposed by armed groups, including limited access to markets, authorities have regularly provided security escorts to enable residents to go about their activities safely.
He further revealed that some of those abducted had since been released by the bandits to convey information about the incident to the community, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of those still being held.
Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the abduction and announced the commencement of a rescue operation.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, the command said information received from the District Head of Magamin Diddi indicated that 47 residents voluntarily mobilised for the reconciliation meeting held on June 7, 2026.
The police spokesman stated that 39 of the participants were later abducted by the bandits and taken to an undisclosed location.
He added that security personnel have been deployed to the affected area and are acting on available intelligence to track down the victims and ensure their safe return.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Zamfara State Police Command immediately initiated efforts to trace the whereabouts of the victims and secure their safe rescue.
“Operational assets have been deployed, and security operatives are working on available intelligence to locate the abducted persons,” Abubakar said.
The command reassured residents that all necessary measures were being taken to rescue the victims unharmed and ensure those behind the abduction face justice.
“The Command assures members of the public that every effort is being made to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed, and the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the PPRO added.