According to a report by the Punch on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has maintained his administration’s position against negotiating with bandits following the abduction of 50 elders from Magamin Diddi village in Maradun Local Government Area.

The elders had reportedly embarked on a self-organised peace mission to meet a notorious bandit leader, Jammo, who operates within the Muntsira Forest. Their goal was to secure an agreement that would allow residents to farm safely during the planting season. However, the delegation was taken hostage after arriving at the camp.

Speaking on the incident, Lawal said the elders neither informed nor obtained approval from the government before undertaking the mission. Reiterating his stance on insecurity, the governor declared, “I will not negotiate with terrorists,” stressing that his administration has consistently rejected dialogue with criminal groups.

He argued that previous peace deals with bandits failed to produce lasting results and instead encouraged further criminal activities. According to him, negotiations often provide armed groups with opportunities to regroup and strengthen their operations.

The governor said security agencies were investigating the abduction while insisting that military operations and other security measures remain the best approach to ending banditry in the state. He added that progress had been recorded, even though the challenge had not been completely eradicated.

The incident has drawn differing reactions from residents. While some support the government’s refusal to negotiate with bandits, others believe dialogue could help restore peace and reduce the killings, kidnappings and disruptions that have affected communities across Zamfara State.

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