Bandits Kîll 5 Kaduna Hostages, Free 51 After Collecting Ransom

Bandits who abducted 61 people at Budah Hausa Village in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have reportedly killed five of their victims and set free 51 others after collecting undisclosed amount, drugs and motorcycles as ransom.

However, the abductors were said to be holding five others in captivity.

51 of the hostages regained their freedom after spending three weeks in captivity.

A local source said the bandits demanded additional ransom to release the remaining five hostages.

A state lawmaker representing Kajuru Constituency in Kaduna Assembly Hon. Usman Danlami Stingo, had on Tuesday March 12, confirmed abduction of 61 persons in the area.

He said bandits invaded Budah Hausa community to abduct 32 females and 29 males.

A local vigilante in the area, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed release of the hostages to a journalist in Kaduna on Thursday, saying all five victims killed were men.

He explained that those released suffered while in captivity, including children, who couldn’t even walk when they returned because they were chained for weeks.

According to him: “It is a very terrible situation. if you see them, you will shed tears because they really suffered, especially the men among them. 61 of them were abducted, 51 have returned, 5 killed in captivity, and 5 others are still with the bandits.”

The vigilante added that two of those released were shot in the legs while in captivity.

He said those who regained freedom and whose condition worsened had been rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

A resident, Maigari Ben, who was among the youth leaders in the area, confirmed release of the victims and killing of the other five in captivity.