“Unspeakable Crime”: UK Reacts to Killing of 38 Hostages in Zamfara After Ransom Was Paid

The United Kingdom government has condemned in strong terms the brutal killing of 38 abducted residents in Banga village, Zamfara State — a tragedy that unfolded even after a ₦50 million ransom was paid to secure their release.

Gill Lever, the Acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria, described the incident as an “unspeakable crime” that not only shatters communities but also holds back the country’s economic and social progress.

“This kind of violence damages people’s mental and physical well-being and retards economic development. We must bring an end to this,” Lever said during a briefing in Abuja.

She also expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Zamfara, calling for urgent and united efforts to tackle such brutality.

The statement was made during a security briefing under the State Expansion Programme for the Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell, a joint initiative between the UK government and Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) to combat kidnapping and terror-related crimes.

According to reports, the tragedy struck after armed bandits, led by a notorious criminal known as Dan Sadiya, abducted 56 residents from Banga village. Despite receiving the ransom, the bandits only released 18 victims — and executed the remaining 38.

Local government chairman Mannir Haidara Kaura confirmed the horrifying development and said the freed hostages are currently receiving medical treatment.

This incident underscores the urgent need for stronger action against rampant kidnappings and mass killings in Nigeria’s northern regions, especially Zamfara, which has seen repeated attacks in recent years.

As security partnerships deepen between Nigeria and allies like the UK, the focus remains on rescuing hostages, tracking down perpetrators, and restoring safety to rural communities under siege.