In northern Nigeria’s Zamfara state, criminal gangs, referred to as bandits, brutally killed at least 35 hostages they had seized from Banga village, despite their families paying the demanded ransom, according to local officials. The abductions took place in March, affecting 56 residents from the Kauran Namoda local government area. The gunmen had initially set a ransom of one million naira (approximately $655 or £485) per person.
Local government chairman, Manniru Haidara Kaura, reported that most of the deceased were young individuals and referred to their slaughter as "like rams." After negotiations, the bandits released 18 captives on Saturday, consisting of 17 women and a young boy. "Only they know why they killed them. They are senseless and heartless people," lamented Kaura, emphasizing the inhumanity of the attackers.
Of the 18 released, 16 were hospitalized due to their ordeal, and recovery for the remaining victims is in progress. Unfortunately, the bodies of the 38 murdered are not expected to be returned, as is often the case in these tragedies.
In an attempt to tackle the surge in kidnapping and ransom payments, the Nigerian government enacted laws in 2022 making ransom payments illegal, punishable by a minimum jail term of 15 years. Despite the legislation, no arrests have been recorded under these charges, leaving families in a desperate position as they feel compelled to pay ransoms for the safety of their loved ones.
The increasing trend of kidnappings poses a severe threat to security in Nigeria, leading to growing concerns regarding the effectiveness of governmental measures to protect its citizens.
