Armed bandits in northwest Nigeria abducted dozens of villagers who had been invited to discuss potential peace negotiations, according to authorities and local residents.

Police reported that 39 people were seized on Sunday during a meeting held in forest areas near Magamin Diddi village in the Maradun municipality of Zamfara state. However, some residents and local officials believe the actual number of those abducted could be as high as 50 people.

The incident occurred when villagers responded to an invitation from the armed groups to attend discussions about possible peace talks. The meeting was arranged in a forest location near the village before the mass abduction took place.

The kidnapping highlights ongoing security challenges in Nigeria's northwest region, where armed groups frequently carry out attacks and abductions. Zamfara state has been particularly affected by banditry and kidnapping incidents in recent years.

Authorities are working to verify the exact number of people taken and their current whereabouts. The incident underscores the volatile security situation in the region despite attempts at dialogue between communities and armed groups.