Borno Group Tasks Tinubu, Shettima, Others On Engagement With Boko Haram Over 416 Ngoshe Abductees

A group, Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) has announced that insurgents believed to be members of Boko Haram have released the first official video showing women and children recently abducted from Ngoshe in Borno State.

In a statement signed by its president, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, the group said the footage emerged following days of “active and discreet mediation” with the abductors after the insurgents overran the community.

“The Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) 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,” the statement read.

According to BOSYA, the insurgents confirmed that 416 victims are currently alive in captivity, a figure the group said contradicted earlier media reports.

“Following days of engagement, discussions, and humanitarian appeals, we were provided with an official figure of 416 victims currently alive in captivity by the abductors,” the statement read.

The group described itself as “the voice of Southern Borno youths and indigenes,” adding that it remained committed to pursuing all possible avenues to secure the victims’ release.

“BOSYA remains the voice of Southern Borno youths and indigenes. As such, we are committed to continuing all possible efforts through mediation, advocacy, and engagement to secure the safe release of our people. Our actions are guided solely by the need to protect lives and restore dignity to affected families.We are committed to continuing all possible efforts through mediation, advocacy, and engagement to secure the safe release of our people,” Kaigama said.

While engaging with the abductors, BOSYA stressed that it did not support insurgency or terrorism.

“We wish to state clearly and unequivocally that BOSYA does not support terrorism, insurgency, or the abduction of innocent civilians. However, as representatives of our people, we are prepared to take bold and necessary steps in pursuit of solutions,” the group stated.

The alliance called for urgent intervention from key government figures, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume and all relevant government officials and stakeholders at both federal and state levels

BOSYA also pointed to previous interventions in northern states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi, where some abductees regained freedom through negotiations involving Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi.

“We have witnessed cases in states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi where abducted victims regained freedom following interventions by individuals such as Sheikh Ahmad Gumi. We therefore expect equal urgency and commitment in addressing the plight of the Ngoshe victims.No region or group of citizens should be treated with less priority,” the group said, urging authorities to show “equal urgency and commitment” in addressing the Ngoshe situation.

The alliance further appealed to the international community, including the United Nations and global leaders such as United States President Donald Trump, to support efforts aimed at securing the release of the captives.

“Furthermore, we call on the Nigerian Government, international partners, the United Nations, and global leaders including Donald Trump to support efforts toward the safe and immediate release of all abducted victims. Among them are vulnerable groups, including infants, young children, elderly individuals, and women in extremely fragile conditions.”

BOSYA concluded by calling on both the federal government and the Borno State Government to demonstrate “visible and measurable efforts” toward the safe return of all abducted persons.

“Let it be known to the world that BOSYA is actively mediating and advocating for the release of Southern Borno indigenes held captive. We also call on both the Nigerian Government and the Borno State Government to demonstrate visible and measurable efforts in securing their freedom.”