Nigeria kidnappers (Bandits) killed 35 hostages

Amnesty International Slams Northern Senators Over Zamfara Massacre Response

The Director of Amnesty International in Nigeria, Isah Sunusi, has criticized the recent statement of condemnation made by Northern senators following the massacre of 35 civilians in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Wednesday, Sunusi described the senators’ statement and condemnation as insufficient, stating that they should be taking more decisive actions in their legislative capacity.

He expressed frustration at the recurring cycle of verbal condemnations without tangible outcomes.

“Nigerians are tired of hearing ‘we condemn this attack.’ What the people want now is action on the ground,” Sunusi said.

“This is not the first time. These empty statements of condemnation must stop. Each time such incidents happen, all we hear is a press release. People in Zamfara are being killed, their belongings seized, and they’re being prevented from farming. The senators should change their approach and compel the government to act.”

On Wednesday, the Northern Senators’ Forum, led by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, issued a condolence message following the gruesome killing of 35 civilians in Kaura Namoda. While expressing sympathy with the affected communities and families, the forum fell short of proposing concrete legislative or security measures.

Sunusi argued that Amnesty International has consistently warned about the rising violence and impunity, submitting reports to the government with no significant response.

“We’ve called attention to this issue countless times. We’ve done investigations and submitted our findings, yet the problem persists because no decisive action is taken.”

He also linked the persistent attacks to the government’s failure to prosecute suspects arrested for terrorism or banditry. “What surprises everyone is that those arrested for these crimes are rarely prosecuted. As long as Nigeria fails to bring suspects to justice, anyone could feel emboldened to rape, steal, or terrorize communities, knowing they’ll get away with it.”

Amnesty International stressed that it is time for the Nigerian government to fulfill its constitutional duty of protecting citizens’ lives and property.

DAILY POST reports how bandits slaughtered several hostages in Zamfara earlier this week, despite receiving ransom payments from their families.

Zamfara remains one of the Nigerian states massively affected by banditry and ransom kidnappings.

In recent years, criminal gangs in the region, known in the country as bandits, have taken to kidnapping people as a means to raise money.

In this incident, 56 people were taken from Banga village, Kauran Namoda LGA in March. The gunmen then demanded a ransom of ₦1 million ($655; £485) per captive, according to media reports.

Local government chairman Manniru Haidara Kaura said that most of those killed were young people who “were slaughtered like rams”.

“What happened was that the bandits demanded ransom money, and after some back-and-forth, they were given what they asked for. They then released 18 people, including 17 women and one young boy, on Saturday,” Haidara added.

“Only they [the gunmen] know why they killed them. They are senseless and heartless people. They forget that they are killing their own brothers, and we will all meet before Allah.”

Residents said three pregnant women who were among the hostages gave birth while in captivity, but all the newborns died due to lack of care.

Survivors recounted being forced to witness the brutal killing of fellow hostages before being allowed to leave the forest.

Sixteen of those released on Saturday are in hospital receiving treatment, while the bodies of the 38 killed are unlikely to be returned, as in these cases corpses are rarely released.

In a statement, the Zamfara government condemned the killings, calling them “barbaric and cowardly” and declared that such atrocities added to its resolve to wipe out terrorism from the state.

“To the grieving families, we share your sorrow and pray for strength and healing. To the good people of Zamfara, remain united and vigilant. Report suspicious activities, and together, we will defeat evil.”

The government has said that the killers would be brought to justice.

In an attempt to curb the spiralling and lucrative kidnapping industry, a law was enacted in 2022 making it a crime to make ransom payments. It carries a jail sentence of at least 15 years, however no one has ever been arrested on those charges.

It also made abduction punishable by death in cases where victims die.

But families often feel forced to pay to save their loved ones, citing the government’s inability to ensure their safety.