A faction of the terrorist group Boko Haram has released a video showing dozens of abducted residents from Ngoshe, a community in Borno State, claiming the victims are alive and in stable condition.
Video shows abducted residents
The group, identified as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), displayed the victims mostly women and children in a six-minute video obtained on Thursday.
Some of the captives were seen speaking on camera about their situation.
A spokesperson for the group said the footage was released following a request from the Borno South Youths Alliance, which has reportedly been acting as a mediator.
“As you can see, they are fine. We do not harm them or rape them. We are doing this because religion taught us so,” the spokesperson said.
Victims appeal for help
One of the abducted women, speaking in the video, said they were being provided with food, shelter, and basic care but expressed deep concern about their families.
“We are restless and worried about our relatives. Some don’t even know whether we are alive or dead,” she said.
She appealed to Nigerian authorities, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and Senator Ali Ndume, to secure their release 416 victims confirmed
The Borno South Youths Alliance confirmed that 416 people are currently being held by the insurgents.
According to its president, Samaila Kaigama, the figure was established after several days of engagement and humanitarian appeals to the group, noting that earlier reports had underestimated the number of victims.
Ongoing crisis
The abduction followed an ആക്രമment on Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area, an area that has repeatedly experienced insurgent attacks.
The latest development underscores the persistent security challenges in northeastern Nigeria, despite ongoing military operations against insurgent groups.
