Boko Haram faction releases video of 416 abducted victims in Borno

A faction of Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), has released a video showing scores of abducted victims from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

 

The six-minute video, obtained on Thursday, showed mostly women and children, alongside a few men, with the group claiming the victims are in good condition.

 

A spokesperson for the insurgents said the video was released following a request by the Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA), which has been engaging in mediation efforts.

 

“As you can see, they are fine. We do not harm them or rape them,” the spokesperson said in the footage.

 

In the video, one of the abducted women appealed to government authorities for help, confirming they were taken during a recent attack on the community.

 

“We are crying that you come to our aid. We want to return to our homes,” she said, adding that families were uncertain about their fate.

 

The Borno South Youths Alliance, in a statement signed by its President, Samaila Kaigama, confirmed that 416 victims are currently in captivity, describing the figure as higher than earlier reports.

 

“Following days of engagement and humanitarian appeals, we were provided with an official figure of 416 victims currently alive in captivity,” he said.

 

The group called on the Federal Government and international community to intensify efforts to secure their release, stressing that the victims include vulnerable persons such as children and the elderly.

 

“We urge the government to act decisively… The freedom and safety of the abducted victims are non-negotiable,” the statement added.

 

The victims were abducted on March 4 when insurgents reportedly attacked Ngoshe, overran a military base, and carried out mass abductions.

 

Authorities are yet to officially respond to the latest development.