38 people who were kidnapped in Banga village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, Zamfara State, have been killed by bandits after they demanded a ransom of N50 million.
Kaura-Namoda LGA Chairman Mannir Haidara Kaura confirmed the event to Channels Television, stating that although 56 people were initially kidnapped from the area, 18 of them were later freed.
The 18 victims who were set free have been admitted to the hospital for medical care, Kaura added.
“From the information I got as the chairman of the local government, 56 were abducted by the bandits and only 18 returned.
“We took the remaining 18 people to hospital, they are on medication. We are also preparing to go with the state government to go and see the families of those that lost their lives,” the LG chairman said.
Ibrahim Banga, a villager, previously told Channels Television that 53 individuals were kidnapped by the bandits when they broke into the community months ago.
He claimed that after a few weeks, the community was able to raise and provide the N1 million that the kidnappers had asked for each hostage.
“Upon their return, the freed victims recounted how the bandits slaughtered the remaining 35 abductees, killing them one after the other during their captivity,” the resident said.
Following the horrible incident and in light of the state’s growing insecurity, the Zamfara Good Governance Forum(ZGGF), has demanded that Governor Dauda Lawal quit immediately due to what it described as gross incompetence and unforgivable failure.
In a statement released in Gusau on Monday, ZGGF President Alhaji Sani Mohammed called the event the most recent instance of the disgraceful breakdown of leadership and governance under Governor Lawal. According to the group, Lawal’s security plan is characterised by a total lack of strategy, political gamesmanship, and inconsistency.
“What happened in Banga village is a national tragedy. Thirty-five innocent citizens were slaughtered like animals — even after a ransom of N50 million was paid. And yet, the governor who swore an oath to protect lives and property is busy playing hide and seek with the same terrorists,” the statement read.
“This governor cannot be trusted. One day, he says amnesty is wrong, the next day he welcomes bandit commanders like honoured guests. Is he in charge of the state or working for the same people who are turning Zamfara into a killing field?” Mohammed asked.
The group slammed Governor Lawal over what it called a hazardous practice of double-speak, pointing out that although the governor publicly opposes bandit amnesty, he frequently meets with their leaders in the government house or in secret locations in the woods.
The organisation also contended that Lawal, who harshly attacked Bello Matawalle, his predecessor, for his security shortcomings, had not only failed to improve but also displayed symptoms of bewilderment and despair, lacking a clear plan to stop the violence.
“Before his election, Dauda Lawal positioned himself as the messiah Zamfara needed. He spoke like a man who understood the scale of the crisis. But today, it is obvious he had no plan — only ambition,” the Forum declared.
“Banga is now ruled by terrorists. Neighbouring villages are deserted. Women are being raped, men are being killed or abducted. What is this governor doing apart from press conferences and photo ops?” the group asked.
The Forum urged Governor Lawal to step down and give the job of bringing peace and sanity back to the state to a more capable and brave person if he still has any regard for the people of Zamfara.
The group said that the nation cannot afford to overlook the extent of terror in the state and requested President Bola Tinubu to announce a special security operation in Zamfara, send additional troops, and handle the situation as a national emergency.
“This is no longer about politics. It is about life and death. He has failed. He knows it. Everyone knows it. His continued stay in office is a mockery of the pain and bloodshed we have endured. He should resign with what’s left of his dignity,” Mohammed said.
“Zamfara is bleeding. The President must act. But before that, the governor must go,” the group stressed.
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