Bandits have released 37 kidnapped villagers from Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, following weeks of negotiations that yielded a broader truce, a state lawmaker confirmed on Friday.

Abdulraham Ahmad Kandarawa, who represents Bokori constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, said the latest group of freed villagers brings the total number of released captives to 82. He earlier disclosed that 45 hostages had been freed under the same peace arrangement.

Kandarawa, who disclosed this to journalists in Katsina, explained that the victims, held in Sabe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, were released without ransom, in line with commitments made by the bandits during negotiations.

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

The latest batch of released victims comprises 17 women, two children, and 18 men.

According to the lawmaker, the bandits, some of whom hail from Bakori, had pledged to free the captives once the community upheld its promise to maintain peace.

“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,” he said, emphasising that the truce was anchored on mutual assurances of non-violence.

Kandarawa expressed satisfaction that the bandits kept their word and reiterated that no ransom was paid. The development adds to ongoing local-level efforts to de-escalate tensions and curb recurrent attacks through dialogue.

While the community has yet to outline additional security measures, the lawmaker said the successful release has renewed hope for sustained peace across Bakori and neighbouring areas.