In a horrifying escalation of banditry in Zamfara State, no fewer than 38 hostages abducted from Banga Village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area have been killed by their captors despite the payment of over N50 million in ransom.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the victims, comprising mostly men and a woman, were executed in batches after months in captivity.
A resident of the village, Aminu Musa Banga, who confirmed the incident, said 16 of the victims who were released by the bandits narrated the ordeal and confirmed the mass killings.
“These bandits killed 38 of our men and one woman while they were in their custody. We received this report from 16 of our people who were released by them.
“They told us the victims were slaughtered one by one after we had paid a ransom of over N50 million,” Banga said.
He further disclosed that the bandits have now taken full control of Banga Village, causing mass displacement as residents of surrounding communities flee for their lives.
He appealed to both the federal and state governments to deploy military forces to the area to restore order and drive out the armed groups terrorising the population.
Chairman of Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, Hon. Mannir Mu’azu Haidara, who also confirmed the incident, said those released by the bandits are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Kaura Namoda due to injuries sustained from severe beatings during their captivity.
“The victims were tortured. They came back with serious injuries. It’s a tragic situation,” Haidara lamented.
While assuring residents that efforts were being made to address the worsening insecurity, the council boss pledged to continue collaborating with security agencies and the state government to restore peace.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Yazid Abubakar, reportedly claimed that the command had not received any official report on the incident.
He urged residents to promptly report such cases to enable security agencies to respond appropriately.
Reacting to the killings, the member representing Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Aminu Sani Jaji, expressed deep sorrow and apologised to his constituents over the tragedy.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Jaji, who also chairs the House Committee on Ecological Fund, wrote:
“I’m deeply saddened by the recent attack on the people of Banga by bandits. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.
“As your representative, I apologise for any perceived shortcomings in ensuring the safety and security of our community. I remain committed to working with relevant authorities to improve security and prevent future tragedies.”
Zamfara State has, in recent years, become a hotspot of relentless banditry, mass abductions, and extortion, with armed groups imposing levies on entire communities and operating with near-total impunity in some areas.
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