Boko Haram Video Shows 416 Abducted Ngoshe Residents, Appeals for Rescue Intensify

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

A faction of Boko Haram, identified as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS-AWJ), has released a video showing hundreds of abducted residents from the Ngoshe community in the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, sparking fresh concern over the fate of civilians in insurgency, hit areas.

The footage, which surfaced on Friday, features dozens of captives, mostly women and children—while a smaller number of men appear separated from their families. The video, said to be over six minutes long, was reportedly recorded at the request of a mediation group, the Borno South Youths Alliance (BOYA).

In the clip, a spokesperson for the insurgent group claimed that the abductees are alive and being treated humanely. He stated that the recording was intended to address growing public anxiety and provide proof of life for families and authorities.

“We are responding to calls for clarity about their condition,” the speaker said, insisting that the captives have not been subjected to abuse. He added that the group’s actions were guided by their interpretation of religious principles.

The camera was then turned toward some of the victims, including a woman who identified herself as one of those taken during the recent attack on Ngoshe. She said they were alive but living in distress, expressing deep concern about their families back home.

“We are grateful that we are still alive, but we are worried about our relatives who do not know our condition,” she said. “We are pleading with the government and all leaders to come to our aid so we can return home.”

She also mentioned that some of the abductees had received basic care, including food and medical attention, but stressed that their situation remains difficult as they long to reunite with their loved ones.

The Borno South Youths Alliance, which claimed to have been engaging the insurgents in mediation efforts, confirmed that 416 individuals are currently in captivity. The group said the figure was obtained after days of dialogue and humanitarian appeals.

In a statement, the group’s president, Samaila Kaigama, said the number represents a more accurate account than earlier reports, which he noted had underestimated the scale of the abduction.

He added that efforts are ongoing behind the scenes to secure the release of the victims, calling for sustained support from authorities and the public.

The latest development has once again drawn attention to the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in parts of Borno State, particularly in communities like Ngoshe that have repeatedly come under attack.

Security experts say the release of such videos is often aimed at drawing attention, shaping narratives, or opening channels for negotiation, even as families of the victims continue to wait anxiously for their safe return.

Zulum unveils 20 electric-powered buses for Borno commuters

By Tada Juth, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has inaugurated 20 electric-powered luxury buses for the residents’ daily commuting in Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Government Areas of the state.

According to him, the deployment of the air-conditioned buses is part of the administration’s measures to cushion the impact of the recent petrol price hikes on transporters and commuters in Borno State.

The buses, which were inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 20th December, 2025, alongside 3,000 electric bicycles, 500 electric tricycles, and 100 electric-powered vehicles, are aimed at what he described as improving transportation services to the public within and outside the state. the state.

The rolling out of the buses, which commenced on Friday, 3rd April, features a fleet of 17 buses with a 49 seating capacity, two 37-seaters, and a 28-seater.

Regarding the routes for the buses, Zulum said: “The buses are currently being deployed across major routes within Maiduguri metropolis and its environs to ease the burden of rising transport costs triggered by the five-week Middle East crisis.”

He further explained, “The fully air-conditioned and energy-efficient vehicles can cover more than 400 kilometres on a single charge.

“This initiative also complements the existing fleets of buses and salon cars earlier procured by this administration to enhance urban commutes for residents.”

Zulum continued, “The massive deployment of the buses will ensure seamless operations, with the establishment of the largest electric vehicle charging terminal in the country,” adding that the vehicles’ charging main terminal has the capacity to charge up to 50 vehicles at a time.

He noted that to protect residents from the ripple effects of the global energy crisis, Borno Express Transport Service (BETS) has been directed to maintain the subsidised rate of N50 a drop.

The intervention has already begun to yield positive results, with noticeable reductions in congestion and improved access to affordable transportation for students, civil servants, traders, and other residents.

Commuters have since commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful for tens of thousands of commuters, including schoolchildren, traders, and workers in Maiduguri.

Some of the commuters said: “This transportation initiative of the governor is indeed commendable.” We are not feeling the impact of the rising transportation expenses, as fares remain at N50 per drop. We thank Governor Zulum for the gesture.

“The initiative forms part of Governor Zulum’s effort to promote green energy, modernise the transportation system and provide relief to the vulnerable.“

NEDC Sends Relief to Maiduguri Blast Victims, Extends Support to Hard-Hit Borno Communities

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has rolled out emergency relief materials for victims of the recent bomb explosions in Maiduguri, with thousands of food items, clothing materials and building supplies set for distribution to affected families in Borno State.

The intervention, unveiled on Tuesday in Maiduguri, is aimed at supporting survivors of the attacks and helping displaced and vulnerable households begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

Speaking during the presentation, the managing director of NEDC, represented by the commission’s Borno State Coordinator, Engr Mohammed Wasinda, said the gesture formed part of the agency’s rapid humanitarian response to recent security-related incidents in parts of the state.

He said the support package for victims of the Maiduguri explosions includes 2,000 bags of rice, 2,000 cartons of spaghetti and 2,000 blankets, in addition to a large consignment of building materials meant to assist affected households whose homes or shelters were damaged.

Wasinda listed the construction items to include 1,000 bundles of roofing sheets, 5,000 ceiling boards, 10,000 pieces of timber, 2,000 iron rods and 8,000 packets of nails.

He directed the leadership of the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Area to work closely with relevant authorities to ensure transparent and orderly distribution of the relief materials.

According to him, all items are to be formally handed over to the Borno State Government through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), which will oversee the onwards distribution to households most affected by the blasts and other recent security incidents.

Beyond food and construction support, the Commission also announced cash assistance for over 150 persons identified as victims and survivors of the Maiduguri bombings.

Wasinda disclosed that the affected individuals had already been verified and captured in the Commission’s support database.

He explained that families who lost loved ones in the attacks would receive N50,000 each as immediate funeral support, while those injured in the explosions would get N30,000 each to help cushion urgent medical and personal expenses.

The relief effort is also being extended beyond Maiduguri to other conflict-affected parts of Borno, including Konduga, Gwoza and Kukawa Local Government Areas, with special attention to Ngoshe, a border community near Cameroon that has also faced repeated security threats.

For the affected communities in those areas, the Commission said it had earmarked 1,800 bags of rice and 1,800 cartons of spaghetti, as well as thousands of mats and wrappers for onwards distribution.

The items, according to the Commission, will be handed over to the respective local government chairmen and members of the Borno State House of Assembly representing the affected areas.

The latest intervention adds to ongoing efforts by humanitarian and government agencies to ease the burden on communities in Borno that continue to grapple with the devastating impact of insurgency and periodic attacks.