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 failing to pay a 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, only 18 victims were able to pay the ransom and were subsequently freed, while the remaining 35 were executed by the kidnappers.

“Those who returned told us that the bandits slaughtered the remaining 35 one after the other in their presence,” he said, describing the ordeal as devastating. Suleiman also revealed that Banga village is currently under the control of the armed group, and he appealed to the state government to send security forces before more residents are forced to flee.

Responding to the development, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Dauda Lawal, Ahmed Danmanga, said the government is aware of the killings but cannot confirm the exact number of victims. He added that mobile police units have been deployed to the area to prevent further attacks.

“Zamfara State Government is working around the clock to ensure that the people of the state are given maximum protection against banditry and other criminal activities,” Danmanga said. “We are, however, handicapped due to an inadequate number of security personnel.”