The lawmaker representing Borno-South senatorial district, Ali Ndume, has vowed that no ransom will be paid to insurgents who abducted residents from the village of Muoshi, Borno State, in early March.
The lawmaker’s declaration comes as Boko Haram‘s 72-hour ultimatum on the 416 nears its expiration.
In a recent video, Boko Haram insurgents issued a chilling 72-hour ultimatum, warning that the abducted victims could be moved to unknown locations if their demands were not met. The militants threatened, “If our demands are not met, we will move these victims, including women and children, to different locations… You may never see them again”.
Speaking during an appearance on television, Ndume expressed concern over the statement, particularly in regard to the innocence of the captives.
The lawmaker confirmed the harrowing reality of the incident, which initially involved more than 500 people, but was later clarified to be 416 individuals. “It was unbelievable, shocking, but it is true. These are my people, from my local government, and it’s devastating for the community. I know the place well; it’s a 12-kilometer drive from the Maiduguri-Mubi road”, Ndume said.
He also pointed out that out of the 416, over 350 were Muslims, challenging the narrative of “Christian genocide” that had been circulating. The captives are innocent civilians, both Christians and Muslims,” Ndume said. “The abductions show there is no such thing as ‘Christian genocide’ in my area. Boko Haram abducted everyone”.
Senator Ndume reiterated his strong support for the government’s decision not to pay ransom, emphasising that this would only embolden the insurgents. “I stand with the government on this: we will not pay ransom”, he stated. While he supported the no-ransom policy, Ndume emphasised that the government is actively working to free the abducted victims.
He also noted that he did not want to get into operational details, stressing that the terrorists have more information than you think. “I don’t think this conversation should extend to this level; because as I said, it’s a security matter. The terrorists or the insurgents even have more information than you think. The bottom line is that government should do whatever it can legitimately, without compromising legalities, sovereignty, or the authority of the Nigerian government, to get these people out,” he urged.
“I’ve talked to various security agencies and those that matter, and they are working on it”, added. “We have communicated through the person going in between to say: ‘Look, you just don’t say 72 hours; do this and do that.’ We are appealing because the threat serves no purpose”, he concluded.
