By Jimmy Fatunbi
A total of 416 women and children abducted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents from Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State have regained their freedom after spending months in captivity.
The development was confirmed on Sunday by the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), Samaila Kaigama, who disclosed that the victims were released by their captors on Saturday, June 6.
Kaigama said the alliance had played a key role in securing the release of the captives through sustained engagement and advocacy efforts.
“BOSYA has secured the release of all the 416 women and children abducted from Ngoshe. They were released on June 6,” he said.
He expressed gratitude over the development, noting that months of persistent appeals and extensive discussions had finally yielded positive results.
“We are happy and grateful that through our efforts, our persistent cries and long discussions, the desired outcome has been achieved,” he added.
The youth leader urged the Federal Government, the Borno State Government and relevant local authorities to ensure proper screening and rehabilitation of the released victims before their reintegration into society.
Attempts to get an official reaction from the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, were unsuccessful, as calls placed to him were not answered as of the time of filing this report.
The release comes months after the insurgents attacked Ngoshe on March 4, overrunning a military base in the area. During the assault, operational vehicles were reportedly set ablaze, security personnel were dispersed, several people were killed, and hundreds of residents were abducted. Earlier in April, Boko Haram released footage showing some of the victims in captivity, while BOSYA continued efforts to facilitate their freedom..
