Katsina Lawmaker Secures Release of 45 Kidnapping Victims Amid Rising Insecurity in Northern Nigeria

Engr. Abdurrahman Ahmad Kandarawa, a member of the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Bakori Local Government Area, has successfully facilitated the release of 45 individuals who had been held hostage by terrorists for an extended period.

According to SaharaReporters, the release occurred last Friday following a renewed peace agreement between local leaders and the bandits, aimed at ending prolonged hostilities in the region.

In a video obtained by the news outlet, one of the abductors revealed that the agreement was honoured after commitments were made by both sides. The terrorists stressed that, having fulfilled their promises, security agencies and government authorities should avoid escalating the situation, allowing the victims to safely return to their communities and resume normal life.

Hon. Abdurrahman, who led the negotiation efforts, drew parallels with international peace initiatives, citing the Gaza-Israel peace agreements. He said, “Even in the world, peace agreements are made to ensure coexistence. There is nothing wrong in making peace to secure a lasting and peaceful future for our people.”

The release in Katsina comes amid continued insecurity across northern Nigeria. Earlier reports indicated that terrorists attacked the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, in the early hours of Monday, abducting an unspecified number of female students and killing at least one staff member. A school security guard was also injured during the attack, which occurred around 5:52 a.m. as students were preparing for their morning routines.

Residents expressed concerns that the attackers had not moved far from the area and urged federal and state authorities to take urgent action to rescue the kidnapped students.

In a separate incident, terrorists attacked Rogun Village in Kpada District, Patigi Local Government Area, Kwara State, late Sunday night, opening fire on officers at a local police outpost. The gun duel lasted several minutes, leaving two security operatives a police constable and a vigilante officer dead.

The recent spate of kidnappings and attacks highlights the persistent security challenges in the region and underscores the urgent need for effective measures to protect citizens and restore peace.