Boko Haram Faction Releases Video Showing 416 Abducted Victims in Borno
A faction of the Boko Haram terrorist group, known as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), has publicly released a video that displays 416 residents who were abducted from the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The footage, which was made available on Friday, features the insurgents asserting that the victims in their custody are in good health and have not been subjected to any form of torture or sexual abuse.
Video Details and Insurgent Claims
The video, obtained by The Guardian, primarily shows women and children, along with a few men who have been separated from their families, as they are interviewed by their captors. In the six-minute and 43-second clip, a spokesperson for the group explained that the video was produced in response to a request from the Borno South Youths Alliance (BOYA), which has been acting as a mediator since the abduction occurred.
The spokesperson stated, "We are Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaimatul Muhajjir. We are here to clarify issues as requested by the Borno South Youths Alliance. As you can see, the victims are fine. We do not harm or rape them. Our religion teaches us to be humane to captives." He added that the group's leader directed them to record the video and allow the captives to speak for themselves.
Victims' Testimonies and Appeals
One of the female victims, speaking in the video, described their situation: "We are from Ngoshe and were kidnapped during the last attack. We thank God that we are alive and healthy, including the women and children. Those who were sick have been treated and given medication. Some of our children who came without clothes have been provided with clothing. We have been given food and a place to sleep."
However, she made a heartfelt appeal for intervention, saying, "We are worried about our families and relatives. Some were killed by air force bombs, while others have suffered different calamities. Many do not know whether we are dead or alive. We call on all Nigerian leaders—from President Bola Tinubu to Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Zulum, Senator Ali Ndume, the Chairman of Gwoza Local Government, and our House of Representatives member—to come to our aid. We want to return home."
Confirmation of Victim Numbers
The Borno South Youths Alliance has confirmed that 416 people are currently held captive by the insurgents. In a statement released late Thursday night, the group's president, Samaila Kaigama, explained that this figure was verified after extensive engagement, discussions, and humanitarian appeals with the insurgents. He noted that this number differs from earlier reports, which had underestimated the scale of the abduction.
The statement read, "The Borno South Youths Alliance wishes to inform the public that we have been actively and discreetly mediating for the release of our Southern Borno brothers and sisters who were abducted when insurgents overran Ngoshe. Following days of engagement and humanitarian appeals, we were provided with an official figure of 416 victims currently alive in captivity."
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Borno State and the urgent need for effective measures to address kidnapping and terrorism in the region.
