Bandits who kidnapped about 61 Kaduna villagers at Budah village in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State three weeks ago have killed five of the victims.

Fifty-one other victims were released on Tuesday by their abductors after a ransom payment as well as drugs and motorcycles were collected by the attackers.

Daily Trust gathered that five victims were not released as the bandits demanded additional ransom before they would be freed.

A local vigilante in the area who pleaded for anonymity, confirmed their release to Daily Trust on Thursday, saying all five victims killed were men.

He explained that those released had suffered while in captivity, including children, who couldn’t even walk when they returned because they were chained for weeks.

“Very terrible; if you see them, you will shed tears because they really suffered, especially the men among them.”

” 61 of them were abducted, 51 have returned, 5 killed in captivity, and 5 others are still with the bandits,” he said.

He also added that among those released, two were shot in the legs while in captivity.

He said those who regained freedom and whose conditions worsened have been rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

A resident, Maigari Ben, who is among the youth leaders in the area, confirmed the release of the victims and the killing of the other five in captivity. (Daily Trust)