UK Government Condemns Execution of 38 Hostages in Zamfara Despite N50 Million Ransom

The United Kingdom government has condemned the execution of 38 kidnapped civilians in Banga village, Zamfara State, describing the incident as a grave human rights violation that undermines peace and economic development in Nigeria.

                                                                    

Despite a N50 million ransom reportedly paid by families and community members, the captors, allegedly under the command of notorious bandit leader Dan Sadiya, released only 18 hostages while killing the remaining 38 victims in cold blood.

Gill Lever, the Acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria, addressed the tragedy during a briefing of the Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell, a collaborative initiative between the UK Government and Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

“This is an unspeakable crime,” she said. “It damages people’s mental and physical well-being, retards economic progress, and we must bring an end to this.”

Lever extended condolences to the families of the victims and the residents of Zamfara, emphasizing the need for urgent and coordinated action against such atrocities.

A total of 56 villagers were abducted by armed militants in Banga, located in Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area. Local officials confirm that the victims were held for ransom, but only a fraction were returned alive.

Mannir Haidara Kaura, chairman of Kaura-Namoda LGA, confirmed the killings and stated that the released hostages are currently receiving medical care at a nearby hospital.

The incident highlights the growing insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West, despite ongoing security operations and international partnerships aimed at dismantling terror and bandit networks.