Dozens Killed by Kidnappers in Northwest Nigeria Despite Ransom Payments

Dozens Killed by Kidnappers in Northwest Nigeria Despite Ransom Payments
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At least 35 people abducted in northern Nigeria’s Zamfara state were killed by kidnappers, despite ransom payments being made, BBC reported. The victims were among 56 residents taken from Banga village in the Kauran Namoda area in March by armed groups known locally as bandits.

The captors reportedly demanded one million naira (around $655) per hostage. After negotiations, 18 individuals—mostly women—were released, but the remaining captives were executed. Survivors recounted witnessing the killings before being freed. Local officials described the victims, many of them young people, as having been brutally slaughtered.

Three pregnant women gave birth while in captivity, but the newborns died due to lack of medical care. Sixteen of the freed individuals are currently receiving treatment in hospital. Authorities have condemned the killings as “barbaric,” vowing to bring those responsible to justice. However, in such cases, victims’ bodies are often not recovered.

In response to widespread kidnappings, Nigeria introduced a law in 2022 criminalizing ransom payments, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and mandating the death penalty if victims are killed. Despite this, enforcement has been minimal, and families often pay ransoms due to lack of government protection.