Kidnappers in Nigeria Kill 35 Hostages Despite Ransom Payment

Kidnappers in northern Nigeria’s Zamfara state have killed at least 35 people they abducted from a village, despite receiving ransom payments for their release.

The victims were among 56 people taken from Banga village in March, with the gunmen demanding a ransom of one million naira ($655; £485) per captive.

35 people were killed, with most being young individuals who “were slaughtered like rams,” according to local government chairman Manniru Haidara Kaura.

The kidnappers received the demanded ransom but still killed the hostages, releasing 18 people, including 17 women and one young boy.

Three pregnant women gave birth while in captivity, but all the newborns died due to lack of care.

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

The Zamfara government condemned the killings as “barbaric and cowardly” and vowed to