ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Gunmen abducted 39 people in northwestern Nigeria as they were meeting with the parents of a suspected bandit leader and kingpin for abductions in the region,

Gunmen have abducted 39 people in northwest Nigeria who were meeting with the family of a bandit leader, the police said Monday.

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Gunmen abducted 39 people in northwestern Nigeria as they were meeting with the parents of a suspected bandit leader and kingpin for abductions in the region,

Bandits ambushed a reconciliation meeting in Zamfara, abducting 39 residents attempting to broker peace for farmland access. Rescue operations are underway

39 residents abducted in Zamfara during a community dialogue with a bandit leader's parents. Police launch investigation to rescue victims.

According to police statements, the victims were meeting relatives of a bandit leader in an attempt to broker peace and ease restrictions on movement imposed on the community.