The British High Commission has expressed shock and condemnation over the killing of 38 kidnapped hostages in Zamfara State, despite the payment of more than ₦50 million ransom to their abductors.
Naijaonpoint reported earlier that residents of Banga village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State were thrown into mourning after 38 kidnapped villagers were gruesomely murdered by bandits, despite the payment of ransom.
The Chairman of Kaura-Namoda LGA, Mannir Haidara Kaura, confirmed the tragedy on Monday, stating that 56 villagers were initially abducted during the raid.
Kaura told Channels Television that only 18 victims were released after weeks in captivity.
He noted that the released individuals are currently undergoing treatment, while arrangements are underway to console bereaved families.
A resident of the village, Ibrahim Banga, earlier told newsmen that the bandits had invaded the community months ago and took away dozens of people.
The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Gill Lever, speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, described the incident as a “horrible kidnap”, lamenting that only 18 of the abducted victims were released while the rest were murdered.
“Very frankly, I want to express my condolences to the people of Zamfara State over that horrible kidnap where even when ransom was paid, only a few people were released and others murdered,” Lever said.
She described the crime as unspeakable, stressing that kidnapping continues to cause devastating effects on communities and the nation’s economy.
“It damages people’s mental health and physical well-being, retards economic progress and all the other things that we know well. We must bring an end to this. We must stop this. We must limit this,” she added.
“My condolences to the people of that state, and to the affected people and to their families and their friends. This is what we want to try and stop.”
‘Anyone Aiding Bandits Is An Enemy Of The State’ – CDS
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning to individuals providing any form of support to terrorists and bandits, declaring that they would be treated as enemies of the state.
Speaking in Kaduna during a government-citizen engagement session organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Musa vowed that the armed forces would intensify efforts to restore peace to the northern region and the entire country.
“Anyone who is contributing one way or the other to the downfall of our country is an enemy of the state, and we must face him squarely and defeat him,” he stated.
“We will never let the north down. We will never let Nigeria down. We are ready for whatever it takes to succeed. We’re committed; we will stay awake 24/7 to ensure that the north is free, Nigeria is secure, and any enemy of the state will be pursued relentlessly until total peace and tranquillity are restored.”
Musa emphasised the importance of collaboration between communities and security forces, urging civilians to avoid aiding criminal networks through the supply of fuel, food, or other resources.
“If we find out that you are part of the criminal network by supplying them, you are also a bandit, you are also a terrorist,” he warned.
“The terrorists and bandits live among us. If we continue to provide them with services, they will continue to thrive. But if we deny them, they will fizzle out.”
Highlighting recent successes in the fight against insecurity, Musa revealed that in the past two years, the armed forces had:
- Neutralised over 3,000 terrorists and bandits
- Secured the surrender of more than 120,000 insurgents
- Rescued over 2,000 kidnapped victims
- Recovered 2,300 arms and 72,000 rounds of ammunition
The CDS assured Nigerians that security forces remain fully committed to eradicating terrorism and banditry, pledging sustained military operations until lasting peace is achieved.
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