Missing Mexican band feared dead as 5 bodies discovered in violence-hit state of Tamaulipas

Authorities in Tamaulipas, northeastern Mexico, have discovered five bodies during the search for members of a local band feared to have been kidnapped.

The musicians, aged between 20 and 40, disappeared on Sunday after last being seen at a bar in the city of Reynosa, close to the US border. According to relatives, they had received ransom demands following the disappearance, AFP reported.

State officials confirmed the discovery on Thursday, saying, “Investigations led to an area where five bodies were located.” The statement, released via social media, added that the remains are believed to match the “preliminary characteristics” of the missing members of the band Fugitivo.

The group had reportedly been hired for a concert, but family members said the location turned out to be a deserted lot. Loved ones have since staged protests, urging officials to intervene more swiftly.

“We’ve been receiving extortion calls,” said the sister of one of the missing musicians, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns.

Tamaulipas is one of Mexico’s most dangerous regions, plagued by criminal groups involved in drug trafficking, people smuggling, and extortion. Musicians in the country have previously been targeted by cartels who pay them to sing about their exploits.

Since 2006, criminal violence in Mexico has claimed over 480,000 lives and left around 120,000 people missing.