A lawmaker representing Bakori Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Abdulraham Kandarawa, has revealed that no fewer than 37 villagers abducted from Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State have been released by bandits after weeks of negotiations that led to a peace agreement.

Kandarawa disclosed on Friday while speaking to journalists that the latest release added to 45 captives whom he disclosed were also freed and brought the number of freed villagers to 82.

He revealed that the villagers were held in Sabe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and later released without ransom following negotiations with the bandits.

According to him, the released hostages include 17 women, two infants, and 18 men.

“Today, through the grace of God, we have finally received our people who were held captive. Insha Allah, they are back, and none is left in their hands,” he said.

The lawmaker further revealed that the bandits had promised to release the captives if the community maintained peace, and they fulfilled the commitment.

“We want to call on all citizens to embrace peace. It is everybody’s business. If we have offended anyone, we will amend, just to live in peace,” Kandarawa appealed, highlighting the negotiation’s foundation on promises of non-violence.

He thanked the bandits for adhering to their word, stressing that no ransom was paid.

“This is what they promised, and they fulfilled it today,” he said.