Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have released 416 women and children abducted from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, three months after they were taken captive during an attack on the area.
The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), Samaila Kaigama, confirmed the development on Sunday, saying the victims regained their freedom on June 6 following efforts by the group.
“BOSYA has secured the release of all the Ngoshe 416 women and children. They were released 06 of June,” Kaigama said.
He added: “We are happy and grateful that through our efforts, our persistent cries, and long discussions, the results are now being seen.”
Kaigama urged the Federal Government, Borno State Government and relevant local government authorities to ensure proper screening of the released captives.
BOSYA had earlier disclosed that it was serving as an intermediary between the insurgents and families of the victims after the abducted persons were displayed by the terrorists.
The women and children were abducted on March 4 when insurgents attacked Ngoshe community. During the assault, the terrorists reportedly overran a military base, set operational vehicles ablaze, dispersed security personnel, killed an unspecified number of residents and abducted several others.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, were unsuccessful as calls to his telephone line were not answered as of the time of filing this report.
