by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State – Nearly three months after armed bandits attacked Kaura Namoda town and Banga village in Zamfara State, only 18 of the more than 50 abducted victims have been released, while 38 others were reportedly killed in captivity.
The attack, which occurred under the cover of night, was allegedly led by the notorious bandit kingpin Dan Sadiya, who is said to control much of Kaura Namoda and its surrounding communities.
The Raid: How It Happened
According to residents, the heavily armed attackers stormed Banga village on motorcycles late at night, firing sporadically to instill panic. While many adult men escaped into nearby bushes, the bandits conducted a door-to-door search, abducting women and children.
“They moved quickly and efficiently. In less than an hour, they were gone with dozens of our people,” a resident told Daily Trust.
In addition to abducting over 50 residents, the attackers looted food, household items, and livestock before marching the captives out of the village on foot.
Ransom and Betrayal
Shortly after the abduction, the bandits demanded a ransom of N150 million. After prolonged negotiations and desperate efforts by families, the amount was eventually reduced to N50 million.
Families sold personal belongings, livestock, and farm produce to raise the money. Additional contributions came from relatives living in cities like Gusau, Kano, Kaduna, and Abuja.
Despite the full payment, only 18 hostages were freed. The remaining 38 were reportedly confirmed dead—many allegedly tortured or slaughtered by their captors.
Horrors in Captivity
Survivors shared harrowing details of their time in captivity. A relative of one of the victims said the hostages were subjected to extreme abuse.
“Some were slaughtered like animals. Others were beaten to death. Children died from starvation and lack of care,” he said.
Victims were reportedly fed once daily, with inadequate food portions. Fifteen adults died from repeated torture, while about 10 were shot for allegedly failing to produce additional ransom. Several women were said to have been raped repeatedly, with some dying from the trauma.
Freed Victims in Critical Condition
The 18 released individuals were found in dire condition. Three were transferred to Yariman Bakura Teaching Hospital in Gusau for specialized care due to severe injuries. Others are being treated at the Kaura Namoda General Hospital, where some are showing signs of recovery.
Rising Insecurity in Kaura Namoda
Residents of the area say banditry is escalating, with criminals roaming freely and attacking communities at will.
“They move around with weapons in broad daylight. We live in fear every day,” said a local resident.
Another added, “Even with soldiers stationed nearby, attacks continue. The government seems absent.”
Recent raids in neighboring villages like Kyambarawa and Kyatawa have led to more deaths and displacements. Dozens of families have reportedly fled their homes.
Government Reacts
The Chairman of Kaura Namoda Local Government, Mannir Mu’azu Haidara, confirmed that the freed victims are receiving medical care and pledged continued cooperation with security agencies.
The Zamfara State Government, in a statement issued by Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Muhammad Dantawasa, condemned the killings as “barbaric and cowardly,” vowing to intensify the crackdown on terrorist networks.
Governor Dauda Lawal also issued a stern warning to the bandits, declaring:
“We will not cede an inch of our land to criminals. Their time is up. This is a fight for the soul of Zamfara.”
The governor called for unity among residents and urged communities to support security agencies with credible intelligence.
Authorities Unreachable
Efforts to contact the Zamfara State Police Commissioner, CP Ibrahim Maikaba, and Police Public Relations Officer, SP Yazid Abubakar, were unsuccessful as their lines were unreachable at the time of reporting.