UK Decries Killing of 38 Hostages in Zamfara Despite ₦50 Million Ransom Payment

The United Kingdom Government has denounced the brutal execution of 38 kidnapped villagers in Banga community, Zamfara State, even after a ransom of ₦50 million was paid to their captors. This tragic event has sent shockwaves across both national and international communities.

Gill Lever, who is the Acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria, referred to the gruesome event as a “horrific and inexcusable crime”, noting that it inflicts deep psychological and physical trauma on citizens and slows down Nigeria’s collective progress as a nation.

“It affects people’s psychological and bodily health, delays development, and we must put an end to it,” Lever said during a security forum.

She also expressed heartfelt sympathy to the grieving families and extended support to the broader population of Zamfara, emphasizing that such violent acts cannot continue without urgent and coordinated intervention.

These comments were issued during a media session under the State Expansion Programme for the Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell—a joint initiative between the UK and Nigeria’s National Counter‑Terrorism Centre (NCTC), designed to strengthen anti-kidnapping operations across multiple states.

According to LMSINT MEDIA, the killings occurred shortly after gunmen led by a well-known criminal leader identified as Dan Sadiya raided Banga village. During the attack, the gang abducted 56 individuals. Although a substantial ransom of ₦50 million was delivered, only 18 of the abductees were eventually set free. Shockingly, the remaining 38 hostages were executed by the assailants.

The Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area, Mannir Haidara Kaura, confirmed the heartbreaking incident. He also revealed that those released are currently receiving medical attention in the hospital to treat physical injuries and emotional trauma.

This violent development underscores the urgent need for improved national security infrastructure and stronger collaboration between Nigeria and its international allies. It also raises serious questions about the effectiveness of ransom negotiations and the persistent threats from criminal gangs operating freely in Nigeria’s northern regions.