Bandits Kill Five Kaduna Hostages, Free 51 After Collecting Ransom

Bandits operating in Budah Hausa Village, located in the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have reportedly executed five hostages after collecting an undisclosed ransom. The abductors, who initially seized 61 individuals, released 51 captives following the payment of the ransom, along with additional items including drugs and motorcycles.

The remaining five hostages are still held captive, with the bandits demanding further ransom for their release. Hon. Usman Danlami Stingo, the Member representing Kajuru Constituency in the Kaduna Assembly, confirmed the abduction of the 61 individuals, comprising 32 females and 29 males, on Tuesday, March 12.

According to a local vigilante who spoke on condition of anonymity, the released hostages, including children, suffered immensely during their three weeks in captivity. Tragically, five men among them were killed by the bandits. Two of the released hostages sustained gunshot wounds to their legs while in captivity and have been promptly hospitalized for treatment.

Maigari Ben, a resident and youth leader in the area, corroborated the news of the victims’ release and the heartbreaking loss of five lives during their ordeal.