At least 35 people abducted from Banga village in Kauran Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been killed by their captors, despite ransom payments made by their families.

The incident, which occurred in March, involved the abduction of 56 residents by armed groups. The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of one million naira per victim.

Chairman of the local government, Manniru Haidara Kaura, confirmed that 18 people, including 17 women and one young boy, were released on Saturday after the ransom was paid.

“What happened was that the bandits demanded ransom money, and after some back-and-forth, they were given what they asked for. They then released 18 people, including 17 women and one young boy, on Saturday,” Kaura said.

He stated that most of those killed were young people who “were slaughtered like rams.”

“Only 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,” he added.

Residents reported that three pregnant women gave birth while in captivity, but all the newborns died due to lack of medical care. Survivors also said they were forced to witness the killings before being released.

Sixteen of those released are currently receiving medical treatment, while the bodies of the victims are not expected to be returned, as the captors rarely release corpses.

The Zamfara State Government condemned the killings, describing them as barbaric and cowardly. It expressed condolences to the grieving families and urged residents to remain united and vigilant.

“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 stated.

Authorities pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Although a law passed in 2022 criminalised ransom payments and made kidnapping resulting in death punishable by death, no one has been prosecuted under the law. Families continue to pay ransoms due to concerns over government’s ability to protect hostages.

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