The UK government has strongly condemned the killing of 38 residents, kidnapped in Banga village, Zamfara State, despite the payment of a N50 million ransom.
The Acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, described the incident as an “unspeakable crime” that undermines mental and physical well-being and retards national economic progress.
“It damages people’s mental and physical well‑being, retards economic progress and we must bring an end to this,” she said.
Lever extended condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Zamfara State. She called for urgent action against such violence.
The statements were made during a briefing under the State Expansion Programme for the Anti‑Kidnap Fusion Cell, a collaborative security initiative between the UK government and Nigeria’s National Counter‑Terrorism Centre, NCTC.
Umpire News gathered that the killings in Banga village occurred after armed bandits led by a notorious kingpin, Dan Sadiya, kidnapped 56 residents. Despite receiving N50 million in ransom, the assailants released only 18 victims and killed the remaining 38.
Chairman of Kaura-Namoda LGA, Mannir Haidara Kaura, confirmed the incident and said the released victims are currently hospitalised.
