The Ibeto community in Magama Local Government Area, Niger State, experienced both relief and grief when 17 residents who had been kidnapped by armed b_ndits almost three months prior were freed.

On October 1, 2025, b_ndits allegedly stormed the community and abducted the victims. 

Nine people were injured and four were slained. Isyaku Muhammad Danjuma, a lawyer, is one of those kidnapped. 

He had warned the locals on Facebook a few hours prior to his kidnapping about b_ndits moving from Uccu towards Ibeto with a herd of stolen cattle..

It was allege that his location may have been leaked to the attackers by informants. The bandits reportedly demanded N200m ransom initially, but later reduced it to N80m after negotiations. 

Family, friends, colleagues and community members confirmed the development on Facebook.

According to a colleague, the victims were released on Thursday, December 25. 

One of the abducted victims passed away in captivity.