Zamfara: Bandits Slaughter 35 Hostages After Families Fail to Pay N35 Million
At least 35 kidnapped victims in Banga village, Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, were reportedly killed by bandits after their families failed to pay the N35 million ransom demanded for their release.
A resident of the village, Sani Suleiman, confirmed the incident in a phone interview on Sunday, July 27, 2025. He said the victims were among 53 villagers abducted months ago, with the bandits demanding one million naira from each captive.
According to Suleiman, 18 of the victims paid the ransom and were subsequently released while the remaining 35 were executed by the kidnappers.
He noted that those who returned disclosed that the bandits slaughtered the remaining 35, one after the other in their presence, describing the ordeal as devastating.
Suleiman also revealed that Banga village is currently under the control of the armed group, and appealed to the state government to send security forces before more residents are forced to flee.
Responding to the development, Ahmed Danmanga, Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Dauda Lawal, said the government is aware of the killings but cannot confirm the exact number of victims, adding that mobile police units have been deployed to the area to prevent further attacks.
He added that Zamfara State Government is working assiduously to ensure the protection of the people from bandits and other criminal activities.
“We are, however, handicapped due to inadequate security personnel.” Danmanga said.
