Kidnappers in northern Zamfara state executed 35 abducted villagers after receiving ransom, a grim report confirms. The incident has raised alarms about the ongoing kidnap crisis in Nigeria, where violent gangs exploit residents for financial gain.
In March, gunmen kidnapped 56 individuals from Banga village in Kauran Namoda, demanding a ransom of one million naira (approximately $655) per captive. Local government chairman Manniru Haidara Kaura informed the BBC that negotiations culminated in the release of 18 hostages—17 women and one young boy—while the rest were brutally killed.
"The bandits demanded ransom money, and after some back-and-forth, they were given what they asked for," Kaura stated, expressing disbelief over the attackers' heartless actions. “They are senseless and heartless people. They forget that they are killing their own brothers.” Reports reveal that a significant portion of the deceased were young individuals who lost their lives in a heart-wrenching slaughter.
Currently, 16 of the released hostages are receiving medical care, while families mourn the loss of their loved ones. Tragically, it is unlikely that the bodies of the deceased will be returned, as kidnappers rarely give back sacrifices once the ransom is paid.
As authorities struggle to address the spiraling crime, a 2022 law criminalizing ransom payments has failed to deter kidnappers, as no arrests have been made under this law. This legislation also allows for the death penalty in abduction cases resulting in death, yet families often feel compelled to comply with kidnappers, citing the government's failure to protect them.
In March, gunmen kidnapped 56 individuals from Banga village in Kauran Namoda, demanding a ransom of one million naira (approximately $655) per captive. Local government chairman Manniru Haidara Kaura informed the BBC that negotiations culminated in the release of 18 hostages—17 women and one young boy—while the rest were brutally killed.
"The bandits demanded ransom money, and after some back-and-forth, they were given what they asked for," Kaura stated, expressing disbelief over the attackers' heartless actions. “They are senseless and heartless people. They forget that they are killing their own brothers.” Reports reveal that a significant portion of the deceased were young individuals who lost their lives in a heart-wrenching slaughter.
Currently, 16 of the released hostages are receiving medical care, while families mourn the loss of their loved ones. Tragically, it is unlikely that the bodies of the deceased will be returned, as kidnappers rarely give back sacrifices once the ransom is paid.
As authorities struggle to address the spiraling crime, a 2022 law criminalizing ransom payments has failed to deter kidnappers, as no arrests have been made under this law. This legislation also allows for the death penalty in abduction cases resulting in death, yet families often feel compelled to comply with kidnappers, citing the government's failure to protect them.
