Crime

Bandits Kill 38 Hostages in Zamfara Despite Payment of Over N50 Million, Lawmaker Reports

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 29th, 2025.

Bandits Kill 38 Hostages in Zamfara Despite Payment of Over N50 Million, Lawmaker Reports

In Zamfara State’s Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, armed bandits who abducted at least 56 people from Banga Village have reportedly executed 38 of the hostages, even after families paid a ransom exceeding N50 million.

Aminu Musa Banga, a resident of the community, confirmed the tragic incident. He explained that the kidnappings took place over the past few months, with the kidnappers initially demanding a ransom of N1 million per person, according to LEADERSHIP.

“These bandits killed 38 men and one woman while they were still in captivity. We learned this from 16 survivors who were released by the bandits,” Banga shared.

He revealed that the killings occurred after the ransom was paid. “Despite paying over N50 million, the bandits slaughtered the victims one after another,” he said.

Banga added that the bandits have now taken control of Banga Village, forcing residents from nearby communities to flee for safety. He called on both the federal and state governments to urgently deploy security forces to reclaim the area and restore peace.

Confirming the situation, Hon. Mannir Mu’azu Haidara, Chairman of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, disclosed that those who survived captivity were released in critical condition and are receiving treatment at a hospital in Kaura Namoda.

“The survivors were severely beaten while in the hands of the kidnappers,” Haidara stated.

He reassured residents that the government is actively addressing the insecurity and pledged continued cooperation with security agencies. “We will not relent in our efforts to tackle this insecurity alongside the State Government under Dr. Dauda Lawal’s leadership,” he affirmed.

Attempts to contact Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer Yazid Abubakar by SaharaReporters were unsuccessful. However, LEADERSHIP quoted the police spokesperson denying any reports of such an incident from the area, urging the public to promptly report kidnappings for timely response.

Meanwhile, Aminu Sani Jaji, the House of Representatives member for Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Ecological Fund, confirmed the attack on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.

Expressing deep sorrow, Jaji extended condolences to the families of those lost and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. “My thoughts are with everyone affected by this horrific attack,” he wrote.

He apologized for any perceived failures in community protection and pledged to work diligently with authorities to improve security measures. Jaji also committed to seeking support and resources from both the state and federal governments to aid recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Zamfara continues to face persistent threats from armed groups who regularly raid villages, abduct residents for ransom, and impose levies, posing a serious challenge to peace and security in the region.