35 Hostages Killed by Nigerian Kidnappers After Ransom Paid

35 Hostages Killed by Nigerian Kidnappers After Ransom Paid

In northern Nigeria's Zamfara State, a tragic incident unfolded where at least 35 kidnapped villagers were brutally killed by armed groups known locally as bandits. The victims were among 56 people abducted from Banga village in March this year. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of one million naira (approximately $655) per person. Families of the hostages reportedly paid the requested amount after lengthy negotiations. Despite receiving the ransom, the attackers released only 18 individuals 17 women and one young boy on Saturday.

Zamfara’s local government chairman, Manniru Haidara Kaura, described the killings as inhumane and senseless, adding that many of those killed were young people “slaughtered like rams.” Survivors recounted the horrors of captivity, including being forced to watch fellow hostages executed.

Adding to the tragedy, three pregnant women gave birth while in captivity, but all three newborns died due to the lack of medical care. Sixteen of the released captives are now receiving treatment in hospital. The bodies of those murdered are unlikely to be recovered, as bandits rarely release corpses.

The killings have reignited fears and frustration among local residents, who continue to endure the growing insecurity and violence in the region. Many families are left devastated despite doing everything they could to save their loved ones.

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Following the massacre, the Zamfara State government issued a statement condemning the killings, describing them as “barbaric and cowardly.” The government promised to bring the perpetrators to justice and urged citizens to remain united and vigilant by reporting suspicious activity.

While public outrage grows, questions have resurfaced about the effectiveness of current anti-kidnapping laws. In 2022, Nigeria passed a law that criminalized ransom payments and made kidnapping punishable by death if the victims die. The legislation was meant to weaken the financial power of kidnapping gangs. However, in practice, the law has had little effect. No one has been arrested for making ransom payments, and families often feel they have no choice but to pay to save their loved ones.

Critics argue that the law unfairly punishes desperate families while failing to hold criminals accountable. This latest incident underscores how ineffective the current approach has been. Despite the risk of legal punishment, families continue to negotiate with kidnappers privately, often with little help from security forces.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly vowed to end banditry and restore peace in northern states like Zamfara. However, years of military operations and political promises have done little to reduce kidnappings and violence. Armed gangs continue to operate with near impunity, targeting remote villages, schools, and highways.

The psychological impact on survivors and communities is severe. Residents of affected areas live in constant fear, with some forced to abandon their homes entirely. As Zamfara mourns the loss of 35 innocent lives, many are calling for urgent reforms in security strategy and more effective enforcement of justice to prevent further tragedies.