Lever also described the atrocity as an “unspeakable crime” that can undermine mental and physical well-being.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, has said the killing of 38 abducted residents in Banga village in Zamfara State by bandits will “retard economic progress” in Nigeria.
She made this known recently during a briefing under the State Expansion Programme for the Anti‑Kidnap Fusion Cell, a collaborative security initiative between the UK government and Nigeria’s National Counter‑Terrorism Centre (NCTC).
Several media outlets had earlier reported that the massacre in Banga village occurred after armed bandits led by a notorious kingpin, Dan Sadiya, abducted 56 residents.
The assailants later released 18 victims and killed the remaining 38, despite receiving N50 million in ransom.
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Chairman of Kaura-Namoda LGA, Mannir Haidara Kaura, while confirming the incident said the released victims are currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
While condemning the action of the bandits, Lever described the atrocity as an “unspeakable crime” that undermines mental and physical well-being and retards national economic progress.
“It damages people’s mental and physical well‑being, retards economic progress and we must bring an end to this,” she said.
The Acting High Commissioner went on to extend condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Zamfara State, calling for urgent action against such violence..
