In a chilling twist of events that has left Zamfara State reeling in grief, armed bandits have brutally killed 38 kidnapped victims after collecting a ₦50 million ransom from their families.
The victims, reportedly abducted weeks ago from communities in Maradun Local Government Area, were believed to be on the verge of regaining their freedom. But hopes were dashed when news emerged on Sunday that the kidnappers had executed the hostages, throwing the affected communities into mourning.
Eyewitnesses and local sources confirmed that the ransom — painstakingly raised by families through donations and community appeals — was paid in full. However, the cold-blooded assailants allegedly reneged on the deal and carried out the mass killing in what many are calling one of the most heart-wrenching betrayals in Zamfara’s security crisis.
The tragedy sparked outrage across the state, with residents demanding justice and government action.
In a rare show of accountability, a federal lawmaker representing the area, visibly shaken during a press conference, offered an emotional apology to the families and constituents. “I take full responsibility for not doing enough. I failed you, and I am deeply sorry,” he said, promising to push for urgent federal intervention and a total overhaul of the region’s security architecture.
The incident marks another dark chapter in Zamfara’s relentless struggle against armed banditry, raising fresh concerns about the effectiveness of negotiation-based approaches to kidnapping and ransom cases.
Security agencies have since launched investigations and vowed to track down those behind the massacre.
As families bury their loved ones, grief is turning into a growing demand for action — not just apologies.
Source: @Saharareporters
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