As Boko Haram’s 72-hour ultimatum over 416 kidnapped victims in Borno State moves close to its deadline, Senator Ali Ndume has taken a hard position, saying no ransom should be paid and backing the government’s stand.
The victims were taken from Muoshi village in early March and have remained in captivity since then. Ndume, who represents Borno South, confirmed the disturbing incident, which was first reported as over 500 people but later clarified to 416.
“It was unbelievable, shocking, but it is true. These are my people, from my local government, and it’s devastating for the community,” Ndume said in an interview on Arise TV. “I know the place well; it’s a 12-kilometer drive from the Maiduguri-Mubi road.”
In a recent video, Boko Haram fighters issued a 72-hour ultimatum, warning that the abducted people could be moved to unknown places if their demands were not met. The group said, “If our demands are not met, we will move these victims, including women and children, to different locations… you may never see them again.”
Ndume said the statement is deeply troubling, especially because many of the victims are from his constituency. He also noted that more than 350 of the 416 victims are Muslims, pushing back against claims of a “Christian genocide” in the area.
“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.”
He strongly repeated that ransom should not be paid, warning it would only encourage the terrorists. “I stand with the government on this: we will not pay ransom,” he said.
Ndume also stressed that security agencies are actively working on the rescue, but avoided giving details. “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 said.
He added, “I’ve talked to various security agencies and those that matter, and they are working on it.”
He further noted ongoing communication efforts: “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.
