Zamfara State has once again been plunged into mourning following the gruesome killing of 35 kidnapped victims by armed bandits in Banga village, located in Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area.
The victims were reportedly executed after their families failed to raise the N35 million ransom demanded by their captors.
According to Sani Suleiman, a resident of Banga village, the tragedy began when 53 people were abducted by the bandits, who demanded N1 million each for their release.
Suleiman, who spoke during a telephone interview with Punch on Sunday, July 27, 2025, revealed that the hostages remained in captivity for several months.
He said only 18 out of the 53 abducted villagers were released after their families successfully paid the ransom. The remaining 35, who could not afford the payment, were executed in a horrifying manner.
“Those who returned after paying the ransom told us that the bandits slaughtered the remaining captives one by one in their presence,” Suleiman said with deep sorrow.
He also lamented that Banga village has effectively fallen under the control of the bandits, with residents now living in fear and uncertainty.
Suleiman called on the Zamfara State Government to urgently intervene by deploying security forces to the area to prevent a mass exodus of terrified villagers.
In response to the incident, the Special Adviser to Governor Dauda Lawal on Security Matters, Ahmed Danmanga, confirmed that the state government was aware of the attack. However, he said the exact number of those killed was yet to be verified.
“I can confirm that some residents of Banga village were killed by the bandits, but I do not have the exact number. At the moment, we have deployed mobile police personnel to the village to protect the lives and property of the people,” Danmanga stated.
He added that the Zamfara State Government remains committed to combating insecurity but faces challenges due to limited manpower.
“We are doing our best to ensure the safety of all residents across the state, but we are constrained by the inadequate number of security personnel available,” he said.
The Banga massacre is the latest in a string of deadly attacks plaguing Zamfara State, where banditry, kidnappings, and rural terrorism continue to claim innocent lives despite ongoing efforts by authorities to restore peace.