Five hostages abducted by bandits in Budha Hausa village, Kaduna state, have been confirmed dead. This comes after the release of 51 other hostages following the payment of an undisclosed ransom, including drugs and motorcycles.
The hostages, 32 females and 29 males, were seized by the bandits three weeks ago. A local source revealed that the kidnappers are still demanding additional ransom for the release of the remaining five captives.
Hon. Usman Danlami Stingo, representing Kajuru Constituency in the Kaduna Assembly, had earlier confirmed the abduction on March 12th.
A local vigilante who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed the harrowing details of the hostages’ ordeal. Many, including children, were reportedly chained for weeks and are unable to walk due to the trauma.
“It’s a horrifying situation,” the vigilante recounted. “These people, especially the men, have been through hell. They abducted 61, released 51, killed 5, and are still holding 5 others.”
He further revealed that two of the released hostages sustained gunshot wounds to their legs while in captivity. Those with severe health conditions have been taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.
Maigari Ben, a youth leader in the area, corroborated the information on the release and the deaths.