BORNO: UNCERTAINTY SURROUNDS THE FATE OF 404 ABDUCTEES AS BOKO HARAM’S DEADLINE PASSES

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

As the 72-hour ultimatum issued by Boko Haram over the fate of 416 abducted residents of Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State expired, uncertainty has deepened, with no official response from either the insurgents or government authorities.

Reports indicate that 12 of the abductees have managed to escape captivity, leaving the fate of the remaining 404 still unknown.

The insurgents had earlier demanded a ransom of N5 billion from the federal government and Borno State authorities, warning that failure to meet their demands could put the captives’ lives at risk.

They also threatened to move the hostages to another location and resist any military rescue efforts, raising further concerns about the safety of those still being held.

Sources in Pulka said the escape occurred during a military offensive targeting insurgent hideouts in the area.

One of the escapees reportedly disclosed that the fighters fled amid the operation, leaving some captives behind while taking others with them.

The victims were abducted during a March 4 attack on a military base and the Ngoshe community, where several people were killed and hundreds more taken hostage.

A statement from the Borno South Youth Alliance confirmed that the 12 escapees—10 महिलes and two males—are now safe in a nearby community. However, the group noted that many others are still being held in captivity.

The incident gained broader attention after a faction of Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, released a video on April 20 demanding ransom from the government.

Observers say the lack of communication following the expiration of the ultimatum has intensified anxiety among residents, many of whom are worried about relatives still in captivity.

Communities affected by the abduction are reportedly gripped by fear, uncertain about the insurgents’ next move, particularly in light of threats to relocate or harm the hostages.

Security experts warn that the situation underscores the ongoing vulnerability of rural areas in Borno State, where repeated attacks and mass abductions continue to disrupt lives and livelihoods.

They added that beyond the immediate plight of the abductees, the incident has heightened fear and eroded trust among residents, many of whom are urging authorities to take more proactive and decisive action to prevent further attacks and secure the release of those still in captivity.

As the uncertainty persists, focus remains on how authorities will respond and the steps that could shape the fate of hundreds still being held.