The elders had reportedly embarked on the mission to reconcile with the bandits, hoping that a successful dialogue would allow residents to return to their farms this farming season.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has distanced his administration from reported efforts by some elders from Maradun Local Government Area to negotiate with terrorists operating in the state, declaring that his government has never supported dialogue with bandits and will not change its position.
The governor made the remarks during an interview conducted in Hausa with the BBC, monitored by SaharaReporters, where he defended his administration's security strategy and responded to questions regarding recent attacks in parts of the state despite claims of improved security.
Speaking on reports that some community elders were kidnapped while attempting to negotiate with bandits due to what they perceived as inadequate government protection, Lawal said he had heard about the incident but questioned why anyone would embark on such a mission without government approval.
Earlier in June, no fewer than 50 elders from Magamin Diddi village in the Magami/Faru Ward of Maradun Local Government Area were reportedly kidnapped by bandits during a peace meeting in the state.
