2027: ADC to contest governorship elections, laments insecurity in Borno

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has already prepared to contest the governorship elections in 2027 to overcome the lingering insecurity to lives and property in Borno State.

According to the party, incessant failures in governance have also led to the resurgence of Boko Haram terrorism at the state and national levels.

The vows of taking over Borno State were made on Sunday in Maiduguri by the ADC State Chairman, Honourable Kolo Bukar, shortly after inaugurating the party’s executive members.

Besides the failures in governance, Bukar added: ‘The security challenges and resurgence of attacks in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and other parts of the country are caused by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s incompetence in governance at both the state and national levels.’

He noted that despite the numerous challenges the ADC is facing, which are not hidden but known to everyone, they will, however, be overcome with an emerging victory at the forthcoming 2027 general elections in the country.

The ADC State Chairman, who was a former member of the Borno State House of Assembly (BOHA), stated, “Despite the weakness of the opposition in the state before, the constitution of the ADC executive and his emergence as the Chairman of the party, we are going to change the political tide at the 2027 general polls.

Regarding the unseating of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Bukar said, ‘We know the political terrains and their constituents, including the topography and critical needs of the people in each of the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

“Our party knows the people, and we know how to unseat the ruling APC in Borno State,” declared the Chairman at the state Congress in Maiduguri.

Bukar further revealed, “The political message we have for the people of Borno is that we are going to bring succour, good governance and several changes in the state.

“The ruling party is a complete failure. They have failed this country; they have failed Borno State.

“It has also brought insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and many challenges to the people since 2015.

“So we are trying to get to that point, and the moment ADC gets into power, we are going to ameliorate these challenges.”

He noted that the party was also shocked by the resurgence of attacks in parts of the state but saw it as a complete failure of governance at the centre and the subnational level.

Hon. Bukar pledged to the people of Borno and the country at large that the ADC is coming with what he described as a comprehensive policy to mitigate insecurity in the state and the country.

In his remarks, one of the leaders of the party, Alhaji Kashim Imam Ibrahim, said the priority of ADC is not just to take over power in Borno State and at the federal level but to wipe away the tears of poor masses in the state and the country, who have suffered from the brunt of the ruling APC’s bad governance since 2015.

“We want to take over governance in Borno and Nigeria. We want to establish a government that will tackle security challenges and address the needs of the poor. We northerners did not vote for Tinubu in 2023. He did not win the election,” said Ibrahim.

Zulum Donates ₦50m to Family of Fallen Army Officer, Reaffirms Support for Troops

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, has donated ₦50 million to the family of a slain Nigerian Army officer, Lieutenant Colonel O.C. Okolo, who died in a February 16, 2026, attack by insurgents in the Mandaragirau community, Biu Local Government Area.

The gesture, announced at a funeral service held on April 10 in Obinofia-Ndiuno, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, is part of the governor’s continued support for military personnel and their families affected by the ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brigadier General Abdullahi Ishaq (retd), Mr Zulum said the state government remains committed to standing by families of fallen soldiers.

“The state government will continue to support families of officers and men who paid the supreme price in defending our nation and its territorial integrity,” he said.

The governor also assured that similar visits and interventions would be extended to families of other personnel who have been killed or declared missing in action in operations across the Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad region.

Mr. Zulum had earlier approved a ₦150 million support package for the families of three military officers who died in separate attacks in border communities around Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.

Describing the late officer as courageous and dedicated, the governor expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

“Lt. Col. O.C. Okolo was a gallant, committed officer whose contributions to the nation will not be forgotten,” he said. “My heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues over this painful loss.”

He also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for strength for the family to bear the loss.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Prof. Stanley Okolo appreciated the governor’s support and solidarity.

“The family members were particularly touched by the cash donation and the delegation sent from Maiduguri to attend the funeral service despite the short notice,” he said.

He further commended the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding the 82nd Division for sending representatives to honour the late officer.

The funeral was attended by senior military officers, including representatives of the Chief of Army Staff and the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai, as well as members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and members of the host community.

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.