Twelve persons out of the 416 abducted by Boko Haram in Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, have reportedly escaped from captivity.
- +Borno abduction: Group claims 12 of 416 victims escape
Recall that on March 4, it was reported that the group attacked a military base in Ngoshe, burning operational vehicles, dispersing security forces, killing an unspecified number of persons and abducting 416 residents.
Recall that on March 4, it was reported that the group attacked a military base in Ngoshe, burning operational vehicles, dispersing security forces, killing an unspecified number of persons and abducting 416 residents.
Previous reports on April 10 indicated that the Borno South Youth Alliance had been communicating with the press and serving as an intermediary between the terrorist group and affected victims, during which Boko Haram displayed the abducted persons.
The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, shared a video of the escaped captives and a statement with The PUNCH via WhatsApp on Wednesday.
In the statement, Kaigama said: “Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) is pleased to announce that the following women and children who were previously held in Ngoshe captivity have reportedly escaped and are now safe in a nearby town.”
He said the escapees comprised 10 females and two males.
Their identities, according to him, include: “Aisha Audu – 20 years, Hajara Audu – 18 months, Aisha Idrisa – 17 years, Hafsat Idrisa – 4 months, Aisha Abubakar Bama – 22 years, Maryam Umar – 11 months, Zainabu Umar Mbasuwa – 22 years, Salma Abubakar – 2 months, Musa Umar – 7 years, Suleiman Umar – 9 years, Aisha Abubakar – 17 years, Aisha Musa – 10 years.
“While we are grateful for this development, we must state clearly that a larger number of victims are still believed to remain in captivity.”
The group stated that the exact location where the escapees arrived has been withheld for security reasons.
On April 20, it was reported that a faction of Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidwatu Wal-Jihad under Imam Abu, released a video challenging the Nigerian government to attempt a forceful rescue of 416 abducted victims in Borno State.
The group also warned that if its demands were not met within 72 hours, the victims would be relocated to undisclosed locations where they may not be found again.
