Audio By Carbonatix
Armed bandits have freed 40 people they had abducted from a village in north-western Nigeria's Zamfara state on Saturday, police have said.
The gunmen freed the villagers following the intervention of security agencies and a separate group of bandits who were involved in peace talks with the state government, police spokesman Muhamma Shehu told the BBC.
No ransom was paid, he added.
Bandits have stepped up attacks across north-western Nigeria in recent months, but Saturday's abductions in Zamfara's Mwaru area were on a scale rarely seen.
In the last decade more than 8,000 people have been killed in the states of Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger and Zamfara, according to the International Crisis Group.
The attacks are rooted in decades-long competition over resources between ethnic Fulani herders and farming communities.
Latest Stories
-
CDD, IMANI , 12 other CSOs file to join Supreme court case challenging OSP Act
8 minutes -
Africa must lead, not follow in global finance –Dr Asiama
9 minutes -
Ghana to host landmark global conference on reparatory justice following historic UN resolution
9 minutes -
The price of stability : Why Bank of Ghana is breaking its balance sheet to save your bread
14 minutes -
Africa must move beyond payments to unlock next phase of digital finance – BoG Governor
17 minutes -
BoG pushes Africa beyond digital payments as fintech regulation drive deepens
24 minutes -
Human-to-human hantavirus transmission suspected on board stranded cruise ship, WHO says
26 minutes -
Payments, identity, regulation and infrastructure key to Africa’s digital integration – Vice President
31 minutes -
“Northern Ghana not a punishment ground” — Bernard Mornah demands Ocloo’s resignation over posting remarks
36 minutes -
China calls for Strait to be reopened ‘as soon as possible’ in Iran talks
37 minutes -
KNUST launches injury prevention centre to boost research, policy action
37 minutes -
Oil prices drop after reports of deal to end Iran war
37 minutes -
Tennis: Ghana faces demotion from Davis Cup and Billie Jean Cup over funding crisis
52 minutes -
3i Africa Summit: Ghana to pilot continental digital trade corridor with African partners
53 minutes -
Minority leader accuses EOCO of ‘harassment’ in re-arrest of Buffer stock Ex-CEO, wife
1 hour