No fewer than 45 captives, including men, women and children, have been released and handed over to the Bakori Local Government authorities by armed bandits led by one of their kingpins, Alhaji Isiya Kwashen Garwa, at a border village between Faskari and Bakori local government areas.

The handover of the captives was witnessed on Monday by the member representing Bakori at the Katsina State House of Assembly, Engr. Abdurrahman Kandarawa.

Their release is in fulfilment of the promises made by the repented bandits during an earlier peace deal meeting.

Speaking shortly after securing the release, Kandarawa thanked the repented bandits for honouring the agreement reached with the government and assured them of the local government's commitment to ensuring lasting peace.

He also emphasised the importance of dialogue and peaceful coexistence between the Hausa and Fulani communities, citing their long history of mutual relations.

Isiya Kwashen Garwa called on all levels of government to ensure the safety and unhindered access to the town for their repented colleagues to promote sustainable peace and stability among all parties involved.