November 29, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
A member of the Katsina State House of Assembly and the chairman of a local government area in the state have been seen engaging in negotiations with suspected terrorists responsible for recent abductions, a move that reportedly facilitated the release of 37 kidnapped residents.
According to local sources, the talks took place in a remote community after the abductors opened communication channels with community leaders. The lawmaker and the LG chairman were said to have joined the negotiation team in an effort to secure the safe return of villagers abducted in separate attacks across the area over the past week.
The victims, comprising men, women and children, were released on Thursday following what sources described as lengthy discussions with the armed group. Although the exact conditions of the negotiation remain undisclosed, community members confirmed that the intervention of the two officials played a significant role in the breakthrough.
Following their release, the victims were received by community leaders and taken for medical checks before being reunited with their families.
As of press time, security agencies had not issued an official statement on the incident. The development has sparked renewed debate over the growing trend of local officials directly negotiating with armed groups, a practice some residents argue has become necessary due to persistent insecurity in parts of the state.
Katsina remains one of the worst-affected states in the North-West, with frequent attacks, kidnappings, and community raids carried out by armed groups despite ongoing military operations.
