Boko Haram Terrorists Display Abducted Victims in Disturbing Video from Borno
A faction of the Boko Haram terrorist organization, known as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS-AWJ), has publicly released a video that parades several abducted residents from the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Council of Borno State. The footage, obtained by The Guardian on Thursday, shows the captors assuring that all victims are in good health and have not faced torture or sexual harassment.
Video Details and Statements from the Terrorist Group
In the six-minute and 43-second clip, a member of JAS-AWJ explains that the video was produced at the request of the Borno South Youths Alliance (BOYA). The speaker, identifying the group under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaimatul Muhajjir, states, "We are here to clear a few issues as requested by the organization, Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA). As you can see, they (victims) are fine; we did not harm or rape them. We are doing this because religion taught us to be humane to the captives." The video then shifts to interviews with the victims, predominantly women and children, with a few men separated from their families.
One female victim, when prompted to speak about their conditions, expressed gratitude to Allah for their well-being. She detailed, "We are the people of Ngoshe, who were kidnapped during the last attack. We are grateful to Allah; we are hale and healthy. Some of the sick people here were treated, given medicine and taken care of. Some of our children were brought here without clothes but were given clothes to wear. We thank God. They gave us a place to sleep and provided us with food." However, she also conveyed deep distress, noting, "The truth is, we are restless and worried about our families and relatives' well-being. Some were killed by air force bombs. Some were affected by different calamities. Some of our families don't even know whether we are dead or alive, but we are grateful this video will show signs of life and health."
Appeal to Nigerian Leaders and Confirmation of Victim Numbers
The victim made a heartfelt plea to Nigerian authorities, calling on President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Senator Ali Ndume, Gwoza Local Council Chairman, and House of Representatives member Babawo to intervene. She emphasized, "We want to return to our homes because we are not used to staying away from our homes. Our children and parents are all worried, and it's very difficult to leave here."
In response, the Borno South Youth Alliance confirmed that approximately 416 people are currently held by the terrorist group. Samaila Kaigama, President of the alliance, stated in a late Thursday night announcement that this figure was determined after extensive engagement, discussions, and humanitarian appeals to the group. He highlighted that this number corrects earlier media reports, which had underestimated the severity of the situation.
This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in northeastern Nigeria, where terrorist activities continue to disrupt communities and necessitate urgent governmental action.
