The UK government has expressed deep outrage over the killing of 38 kidnapped individuals in Banga village, Zamfara State, even after a ransom of N50 million was paid.
During a press briefing, the Acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, condemned the incident as an “unspeakable crime.” She stressed that it causes harm to both mental and physical health and sets back the country’s economic development.
“It damages people’s mental and physical well being, retards economic progress and we must bring an end to this,” she said.
She also offered condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Zamfara, urging authorities to take decisive steps to tackle violence of this nature.
The comments were made during a session held under the State Expansion Programme for the Anti Kidnap Fusion Cell, a joint security initiative between the UK and Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).
READ ALSO: Bandits Kill 38 Hostages in Zamfara Despite ₦50m Ransom Payment
Reports revealed that armed bandits, under the command of a notorious figure identified as Dan Sadiya, abducted 56 people from the village.
Despite the payment, only 18 hostages were freed while 38 were brutally killed.
Mannir Haidara Kaura, the Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area, confirmed the development, adding that those who regained their freedom are currently receiving medical care.