Bandits Kill 5, Release 51 After Ransom Payment

Bandits who kidnapped 61 villagers at Budah Hausa Village in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State three weeks ago have killed five of the abductees.

Fifty-one other victims, it was gathered, were released on Tuesday by their abductors after payment of ransom, and collection of drugs and motorcycles by the hoodlums.

Five of the victims are however being held as the bandits demanded additional ransom before they would be released.

A local vigilante in the area who pleaded anonymity, confirmed their release to newsmen on Thursday, saying all the five victims killed were men.

He explained that those released include children who were subjected to torture while in captivity and could hardly walk when they returned because they were chained for weeks.

“Very terrible; if you see them, you will shed tears because they really suffered, especially the men among them. Sixty-one (61) of them were abducted, 51 have returned, 5 killed in captivity, and 5 others are still with the bandits,” the anonymous vigilante said.

He also disclosed that among those released, two were shot in the legs while in captivity, adding that those who regained freedom and whose condition worsened have been rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

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