Gunmen kill ‘33’ kidnap victims ‘after collecting N50m ransom’ in Zamfara

Gunmen have reportedly killed 33 kidnapped victims in Banga town, Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara state.

The attackers, said to be led by a notorious bandit kingpin known as Dan Sadiya, had abducted over 50 residents from the community.

Residents, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the bandits later released 17 hostages, mostly women, after collecting a ransom of N50 million.

“He kills even after collecting ransom, and if payment is delayed, he executes hostages without hesitation,” a resident said.

“In Banga alone, he kidnapped over 50 people and killed 33. Only 17 returned after the ransom was paid.”

Another resident said the killings happened over several days while families struggled to raise the demanded amount.

Survivors said Dan Sadiya spared only women and children, executing most of the male captives even after the ransom was delivered.

Yusuf Muhammad, whose son was among those killed, told TheCable that the ordeal was worse than previous attacks linked to other bandit leaders in the region.

“What we are experiencing now is worse than what Turji did. At least Turji doesn’t kill indiscriminately, especially if you meet the conditions he sets. But Dan Sadiya kills without mercy,” he said.

“We sold all our possessions to raise the amount demanded. After nearly two months, we were told he had killed all the men. Only the women were allowed to return.”

In a separate attack in Yamutsawa, another village in the LGA, residents say the same gang kidnapped 40 people, killed nearly half, and sent a decapitated head back to the village as a threat.

“He also blocks roads from time to time, abducting villagers trying to make a living,” the resident added.

Aisha Isa Kaura, whose husband was among those killed, said the presence of security personnel has done little to stop the attacks.

“Despite the presence of soldiers and other agencies, the bandits still operate freely in Kaura Namoda. Yesterday, we couldn’t sleep because we feared another attack,” she said.

Another resident, Ahmed Sani, said locals feel safer when members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) are around compared to their military counterpart.

“They (CJTF) help in fighting the bandits, and whenever people see them, they feel more at ease,” he said.