By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has released no fewer than 100 captives in a renewed peace initiative aimed at ending years of violent attacks and abductions in Zamfara State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the release followed sustained dialogue and confidence-building efforts led by community leaders and facilitated through the peace deal process of North West Operation Safe Corridor.

The freed victims, comprising men, women, and children, were handed over to local authorities and taken to a hospital for medical evaluation before being reunited with their families.

A source involved in the negotiation told Zagazola that the move was part of a broader understanding reached with Turji’s camp to embrace peace and end hostilities across affected communities in the state.

“36 people were initially released, followed by another batch of eight, bringing the total number of freed captives to 46. The remaining victims were freed later, making over 100 persons in total,” the source said.

He added that more releases were expected in the coming days as discussions continue between Turji’s group and mediators.

Authorities have, however, maintained close surveillance to ensure that the peace process remains credible and that no group exploits the negotiations to regroup or rearm. (Zagazola)