Bandit commander frees 37 hostages in Katsina

A well-known bandit commander, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, has released 37 people who were abducted during recent attacks on villages in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The freed hostages, made up of men and women seized in raids around communities on the Bakori–Funtua axis, regained their freedom on Wednesday after spending several days in captivity.

A local resident who confirmed the development to Zagazola Makama said the community had been anxious over the rising cases of abductions in the area. He described the release as a relief but stressed that many victims are still being held elsewhere.

He offered prayers for the safe return of those still in captivity.

“May Allah rescue our remaining brothers and sisters in the hands of these criminals and bring an end to their reign and those sponsoring them,” he said.