Kidnappers in Nigeria have tragically killed at least 35 individuals they had abducted from a village in northern Zamfara state, even after ransom payments were made for their release, according to local officials. This shocking event underscores the alarming trend of organized gangs in the region, also called bandits, who increasingly turn to kidnapping as a method for financial gain.
In the recent incident, 56 people were taken from Banga village, within the Kauran Namoda local government area. The criminals demanded a ransom of 1 million naira (approximately $655; £485) for each captive. Local government chairman Manniru Haidara Kaura reported that the majority of those killed were young people, describing the killings as inhumane, "slaughtered like rams."
Despite receiving the ransom payment, the bandits released only 18 of the hostages, primarily women and a young boy, while 38 bodies of those killed are unlikely to be returned to their families. Sixteen of the released are now hospitalized due to the ordeal.
In response to the alarming rise in kidnappings, Nigeria enacted a law in 2022 making ransom payments a criminal offense, punishable by a minimum of 15 years in prison, but so far, no arrests have been reported under this law. The legislation also stipulates the death penalty for kidnappers if their victims die during captivity. Unfortunately, families often feel compelled to pay ransoms due to the government's failure in ensuring their loved ones’ safety.
