Recent reports indicate that kidnappers in northern Nigeria's Zamfara state have executed 35 hostages, raising serious concerns about safety and the effectiveness of government measures against kidnappings.
Kidnappers in Nigeria Execute 35 Hostages Despite Ransom Payment
Kidnappers in Nigeria Execute 35 Hostages Despite Ransom Payment
Violence persists in Nigeria's kidnapping crisis as bandits kill hostages even after ransoms are paid.
Kidnappers in Nigeria have reportedly murdered at least 35 hostages from Banga village, Zamfara state, even after receiving ransom payments. According to local official Manniru Haidara Kaura, the 56 people were abducted in March by criminal gangs known as "bandits," who have increasingly turned to kidnapping for financial gain. Despite negotiations that resulted in a ransom payment of one million naira ($655; £485) per captive, the bandits released only 18 individuals—17 women and one young boy—while executing the remaining hostages.
Haidara described the tragedy, stating that most of the deceased were young people killed "like rams." Commenting on the senseless violence, he insisted that only the kidnappers could understand their motivations: "They forget that they are killing their own brothers, and we will all meet before Allah." Following the ordeal, 16 of those released are currently receiving medical attention for their injuries.
The Nigerian government enacted a law in 2022 criminalizing ransom payments to combat the burgeoning kidnapping industry, with penalties including potentially lengthy prison sentences and the death penalty for perpetrators if a victim dies during captivity. However, no one has been prosecuted under this law, as families often feel compelled to pay ransoms due to the government's struggle to provide adequate security.
As the cycle of violence continues, many are questioning the effectiveness of governmental responses to the waves of abductions and the pervasive fear gripping communities across Nigeria.
Haidara described the tragedy, stating that most of the deceased were young people killed "like rams." Commenting on the senseless violence, he insisted that only the kidnappers could understand their motivations: "They forget that they are killing their own brothers, and we will all meet before Allah." Following the ordeal, 16 of those released are currently receiving medical attention for their injuries.
The Nigerian government enacted a law in 2022 criminalizing ransom payments to combat the burgeoning kidnapping industry, with penalties including potentially lengthy prison sentences and the death penalty for perpetrators if a victim dies during captivity. However, no one has been prosecuted under this law, as families often feel compelled to pay ransoms due to the government's struggle to provide adequate security.
As the cycle of violence continues, many are questioning the effectiveness of governmental responses to the waves of abductions and the pervasive fear gripping communities across Nigeria.
