Banga village in Kauran Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State is facing one of the bleakest moments in its history.
The residents said for years, the once-peaceful community has been under siege by armed groups, leaving residents trapped in a cycle of fear and violence.
In a statement on Monday, community representative Abdulrahman Zakaria Banga described the latest tragedy.
According to him “Fifty-three villagers were abducted. Thirty were killed, while the remaining 18 were freed only after residents paid a ransom of ₦50 million.
“More than 300 others remain in captivity. Their homes have been taken over by armed men, farmlands lie abandoned, and livelihoods have been destroyed.
“Banga has effectively ceased to function as a community, yet residents say the government of Governor Dauda Lawal Dare has failed to take decisive action.
“In a desperate attempt to draw attention to their plight, villagers staged a protest at the Government House in Gusau, the state capital.
“Instead of receiving assurances, they were met with violence. Security personnel allegedly beat protesters, including elderly men and children.
Banga also claim political thugs linked to the Government House joined the attack, leaving several injured. Many of the victims are now in hospital.
The statement also accused the governor’s administration of allowing state forces and political loyalists to re-victimise people already devastated by insecurity.
“We are demanding answers: Why have hundreds of captives not been rescued? Why are displaced farmers left without support? And why were peaceful protesters attacked at the very seat of power?
He called on Governor Lawal to apologise, ensure those responsible are prosecuted, and take urgent steps to reclaim Banga from armed groups.