Bandits kill boy, hold 9 villagers after pocketing N10m ransom

Tension and grief have gripped Dinawa village in the Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State after bandits failed to release all abducted villagers despite the payment of a N10 million ransom and the delivery of two motorcycles.

The harrowing ordeal, which has lasted six weeks, took a tragic turn as the bandits reportedly murdered a young boy in captivity, releasing only four out of the 14 residents initially seized.

According to security analyst Bakatsine, who shared details of the incident on Wednesday, the villagers have been held since January. The families of the victims struggled to meet the bandits’ demands, hoping for a total release of their loved ones.

However, the criminals took the money and the motorcycles but kept the majority of the victims in the forest.

“Families in the village are grieving and pleading for justice and improved security since Monday. If ransom was paid, why are hostages still being held and how are bandits continuing to operate with such impunity?” Bakatsine wrote.

The residents of Dinawa have been in mourning since Monday, calling on the Sokoto State Government and security agencies to intervene. The incident highlights a disturbing trend where bandits collect ransoms but refuse to release victims, further terrorizing rural communities in the North-West.

As of the time of filing this report, local authorities have not issued a formal statement regarding the ongoing hostage situation in Wurno LGA.