Boko Haram Demands N5 Billion Ransom for 416 Abducted Women and Children in Borno
Families plead for government intervention as 72-hour ultimatum expires
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Desperate families are pleading for the safe return of 416 women, children, and elderly individuals abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in Ngoshe, a community in Borno State’s Gwoza Local Government Area. The mass kidnapping, which occurred on March 3, has left relatives in anguish as terrorists issued a chilling N5 billion ransom demand and a 72-hour deadline—now expired—threatening to harm hostages if their demands were unmet.
The insurgents released a video on Sunday through the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) Facebook page, marking their “final warning” to the Nigerian government. The footage, which circulated widely, showed terrified captives as militants reiterated their ultimatum.
Families in Despair
John Gwoma, an elder in Ngoshe and chairman of the EYN camp in Maiduguri, revealed that his nephew and other relatives were among those taken. “We only hear updates on social media,” he said, his voice trembling. “No one has told us if negotiations are happening. We don’t know if our loved ones are alive or dead.”
Yakubu Bitrus Ngoshe narrowly escaped the abduction but lost his son in the chaos. “We were running together when the shooting started,” he recalled. “I saw him captured in their video. Since then—nothing.”
Aisha Ibrahim, whose teenage sister was taken, fears the worst. “They marry off young girls. If we don’t act fast, we may never see her again.”
Senate Demands Immediate Action
The Nigerian Senate has called for urgent military intervention following a motion by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South). Ndume warned colleagues that the terrorists had contacted him directly, threatening to execute hostages unless their demands were met.
“Every minute counts,” Ndume stressed. “We cannot afford delays.” Other lawmakers echoed his plea, urging security agencies to deploy all available resources.
However, opinions on ransom payments remain divided. Senator Abba Moro (Benue South) argued that negotiating with terrorists only emboldens them. “Payments fund their weapons,” he said. “We must neutralize them, not negotiate.”
Security Experts Urge Caution
Dr. Musa Usman Konduga, a security analyst, acknowledged the dilemma. “Paying ransoms fuels terrorism, but with women and children at risk, the government faces an impossible choice,” he said.
Former State Security Service (SSS) director Mike Ejiofor warned against public discussions of the ultimatum. “This is a delicate situation. Provoking the terrorists could have deadly consequences.”
A History of Violence
Ngoshe has repeatedly been targeted by Boko Haram and its splinter group, ISWAP. In June 2025, local youths aided the military in repelling an attack, killing several insurgents—a victory that may have triggered the recent retaliatory mass abduction.
Governor Babagana Zulum has praised community efforts but admitted the situation remains dire. Meanwhile, the Senate has ordered an investigation into alleged civilian casualties from a recent Nigerian Air Force airstrike near the Borno-Yobe border.
A Nation on Edge
As families cling to hope, the broader question looms: Should Nigeria negotiate with terrorists or take a harder stance? For now, the captives’ fate hangs in the balance—and time is running out.
— Reported by Nexio News
