A member of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Engr. Abdurrahman Ahmad Kandarawa, has facilitated the release of 45 kidnapped victims after leading a delegation to negotiate with terrorists operating in the state.
DAILY GAZETTE gathered that the victims were freed last Friday following a renewed peace agreement between community leaders and the armed group, an arrangement aimed at reducing the region’s persistent insecurity.
A video obtained by DAILY GAZETTE shows one of the terrorists confirming that the release was carried out because both sides upheld earlier promises.
The bandit stressed that the group expects the government and security agencies not to “escalate the situation,” adding that the agreement should allow their people to return to town and resume normal activities.
Hon. Abdurrahman, who led the dialogue process, defended the controversial engagement with the terrorists, comparing it to global conflict-resolution efforts.
“Even in the world, peace agreements are made to ensure coexistence,” he said.
“There is nothing wrong in making peace to secure a lasting and peaceful future for our people.”
The development comes amid a wave of recent attacks across northern Nigeria.
Earlier on Monday, DAILY GAZETTE reported that terrorists stormed Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in Kebbi State, abducting multiple female students and killing at least one staff member.
A school guard was also injured in the attack, which occurred at about 5:52 am, just as students were preparing for morning activities.
Residents say the attackers are still in the area and have called for urgent government intervention to rescue the girls.
In a separate incident, terrorists launched a deadly assault on Rogun Village in Kpada District, Patigi LGA of Kwara State.
According to a security source, the attackers targeted a police outpost late Sunday night, engaging security personnel in a prolonged gun battle.
By the time the shooting ended, two security operatives, a police constabulary and a vigilante officer, had been confirmed dead.
The latest releases in Katsina come against the backdrop of ongoing violence that has plagued communities across the North-West and North-Central regions.
