Bandits Kill 33 Captives in Zamfara Despite Ransom Payment

• Jul 28, 2025

In a brutal turn of events, bandits in Nigeria's Zamfara state have killed 33 people they had kidnapped in February, despite receiving a ransom payment of $33,700. The victims, who were abducted from Banga village in the Kaura Namoda district, included men, women, and pregnant women. Local officials and residents confirmed the killings on Monday.

According to Kasimu Ibrahim, a resident of Banga, the bandits originally kidnapped 51 people during a February raid that also left two villagers dead. The attackers, riding motorcycles, stormed the village and took their hostages into the forest. Among the kidnapped were three pregnant women, who later gave birth in captivity under harsh conditions.

The community raised and paid the ransom in two instalments, hoping it would secure the release of all the captives. However, only 18 people were released on Friday. When they returned, they brought horrifying news: the remaining 33 captives had been slaughtered by the bandits.

“They took the money we worked hard to raise, killed 33 of the captives and sent the remaining 18 back to us,” said another resident, Altine Bawa. He added that the three newborn babies died due to lack of care, bringing the total number of lives lost to 38, including the two people killed during the initial raid.

Local political administrator Mannir Haidara confirmed the killings but did not provide specific numbers. He also said the freed captives were receiving medical treatment after suffering severe beatings during their captivity.

Aminu Sani Jaji, the federal lawmaker representing Kaura Namoda, expressed sorrow over the attack. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), he offered condolences to the victims' families and apologized for any perceived failures in ensuring the community's safety. He also promised to work with relevant authorities to strengthen security measures and prevent future tragedies.

Zamfara and other parts of northwestern Nigeria have been plagued by bandit violence for years. What began as conflict between herders and farmers has evolved into organized crime, with armed gangs now controlling large areas where government presence is weak or non-existent.

Despite the deployment of military forces and the use of vigilante groups by state authorities, the violence has continued. Some bandit groups have even formed ties with jihadist militants operating in the northeast, further escalating insecurity across the region.