A Boko Haram group, recognized as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), has launched a video exhibiting the situation of 416 kidnapped residents of Ngoshe, a group in Gwoza Native Authorities Space of Borno State, claiming the victims are alive, wholesome, and never subjected to abuse.
Within the video, obtained on Thursday, the group displayed and spoke with the victims principally ladies and kids, alongside a number of males.
Talking within the six-minute, 43-second clip, a member of the group mentioned the footage was produced on the request of the Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA), which he mentioned has been performing as a mediator because the abduction.
The spokesperson, who didn’t disclose his id, mentioned, “We’re Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) below the management of Imam Abu Umaimatul Muhajjir. We’re right here to clear a number of points as requested by the organisation, Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA). As you’ll be able to see, they (victims) are tremendous, we don’t hurt them or rape them. We’re doing this as a result of faith taught us so.”
He added, “With out losing time, we are going to now flip the digicam to them to talk as requested and ordered by our chief.”
One of many feminine victims, who spoke within the video, mentioned they had been in steady situation and receiving primary care.
“We’re the individuals of Ngoshe who had been kidnapped over the last assault. We’re grateful to Allah, we’re hale and wholesome with ladies and kids. A few of the sick individuals listed below are handled, given drugs and brought care of. A few of our kids had been introduced right here with out garments and have been given garments. We thank God. They gave us a spot to sleep and offered meals,” she mentioned.
She, nonetheless, expressed concern about their households and appealed for assist.
“We’re apprehensive about our households. Some had been killed by air drive bombs, others affected by totally different calamities. Many don’t know whether or not we’re alive or lifeless. We’re grateful this video exhibits we’re alive.
“We name on all Nigerian leaders—from President Bola Tinubu to Kashim Shettima, Babagana Zulum, Senator Ali Ndume, and all Gwoza leaders—to come back to our support. We wish to return house. It’s troublesome for us to stay right here.”
In the meantime, BOSYA confirmed that 416 victims are at present in captivity.
In an announcement issued late Thursday, the group’s president, Samaila Kaigama, mentioned the determine was obtained after days of engagement and humanitarian discussions with the abductors, noting that it differs from earlier studies that underestimated the quantity.
“The Borno South Youth Alliance needs to tell the general public that we have now been actively and discreetly mediating for the discharge of our Southern Borno brothers and sisters kidnapped when insurgents attacked Ngoshe.
“Following days of engagement and appeals, we got an official determine of 416 victims at present alive in captivity,” the assertion learn.
The group pressured that its mediation efforts don’t help insurgency however are aimed toward amplifying the voices of the victims.
“We want to state clearly that BOSYA doesn’t help terrorism or the kidnapping of harmless civilians. Nevertheless, we’re dedicated to pursuing options to the insecurity affecting our area.
“The voices of the kidnapped victims should be heard each nationally and globally.”
Kaigama known as for pressing authorities intervention, citing comparable instances in states like Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi, the place abductees regained freedom following mediation efforts.
“We anticipate the identical urgency in addressing the plight of the Ngoshe victims. Their freedom and security are non-negotiable,” he mentioned.
He additionally appealed to the worldwide group, together with the United Nations and international leaders, to help efforts to safe the protected launch of the victims.
Recall that on March 4, insurgents attacked a navy base in Ngoshe, destroyed operational automobiles, overpowered safety forces, killed a number of individuals, and kidnapped residents.