By Rafiyat Sadiq
Armed bandits have killed 38 abducted residents of Banga village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, despite collecting a ransom of ₦50 million from the community.
Chairman of the local government, Mannir Haidara Kaura, confirmed the development, stating that 56 villagers were initially taken hostage during a raid, but only 18 were later released.
“We took the remaining 18 people to the hospital; they are receiving medical attention,” Kaura said. “We are also working with the state government to visit the families of those who lost their lives.”
According to a resident of the community, Ibrahim Banga, the attack occurred several months ago when bandits stormed the village and abducted scores of people. The captors reportedly demanded ₦1 million per person, and after weeks of frantic efforts, the villagers managed to raise ₦50 million, which was delivered to the kidnappers.
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Despite receiving the payment, the gunmen released only 18 of the abductees. The freed victims later recounted how the remaining hostages were executed one after the other in captivity.
Banga called on both the federal and Zamfara State governments to launch urgent military operations in the area to restore peace, rescue those still in captivity, and enable displaced residents to return home.
The incident adds to the growing insecurity in Zamfara State, where banditry, kidnappings, and rural attacks continue to claim lives and displace entire communities.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
