Bandits Kill Over 35 in Zamfara Despite Ransom Payments, Government Vows Justice

• Armed bandits in Zamfara State killed over 35 abductees despite ransom payments being made for their release, underscoring Nigeria’s deepening security crisis
• Survivors recounted harrowing conditions in captivity, including witnessing killings and the death of newborns due to lack of medical care
• The Zamfara government condemned the act as “barbaric and cowardly” and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, amid calls for tougher enforcement of anti-kidnapping laws

At least 35 abductees were killed by kidnappers in Nigeria’s northern Zamfara State, despite families having paid substantial ransom sums for their release, a local government official told the BBC.

The mass abduction occurred in March when 56 individuals were seized from Banga village, located in the Kauran Namoda Local Government Area.

The attackers, described as armed criminal gangs commonly referred to as bandits, demanded a ransom of one million naira (approximately $655 or £485) per person, according to Nigerian media reports.

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Local council chairman, Manniru Haidara Kaura, revealed that despite the captors receiving the requested payments, only 18 hostages, 17 women and one young boy, were released over the weekend.

“Most of those killed were young people who were slaughtered like rams,” Kaura told the BBC. He added, “Only they [the gunmen] know why they killed them. They are senseless and heartless people. They forget that they are killing their own brothers, and we will all meet before Allah.”

Survivors and victims

Survivors recounted harrowing experiences in captivity, stating they were forced to witness brutal executions before being allowed to leave the forest hideout. Among the hostages were three pregnant women who gave birth while detained, but all the infants reportedly died due to a lack of medical care.

Sixteen of the released captives are currently receiving treatment in hospital. According to local accounts, the bodies of the deceased are unlikely to be recovered, as it is rare for the corpses of kidnapping victims to be returned.

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Government reaction and anti-kidnapping legislation

In response, the Zamfara State Government issued a strong condemnation of the attack, labelling the killings “barbaric and cowardly.” Officials reiterated their commitment to eliminating terrorism from the region and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

“To the grieving families, we share your sorrow and pray for strength and healing. To the good people of Zamfara, remain united and vigilant. Report suspicious activities, and together, we will defeat evil,” the government statement read.

Although the state has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, no arrests have yet been reported.

Legal challenges in combating kidnappings

To tackle the burgeoning kidnap-for-ransom industry, the Nigerian government introduced strict legislation in 2022, criminalising ransom payments with a mandatory sentence of at least 15 years in prison. The law also stipulates the death penalty in cases where abducted victims are killed.

However, enforcement remains a major challenge. No individuals have been prosecuted under these laws to date, and many families continue to pay ransoms out of desperation, citing the authorities’ inability to safeguard lives.

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Gunmen abduct Yahaya Bello's aide

Legit.ng earlier reported that Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly abducted Kabiru Onyene, an aide to the immediate past governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello.

Onyene was abducted in his office, at Okene in Kogi around 7.05pm on Monday, December 9.

According to Daily Trust, gun-wielding men in their numbers forcefully took him to an unknown destination.

Source: Legit.ng