Amanze Chinonye
The Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Askira, has confirmed the abduction of 13 female farmers in Askira-Uba Local Government Area by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP militants.
The victims, originally from Huyim District, were reportedly travelling to Mussa District on Saturday to harvest their farm produce. Residents of Huyim had relocated their farming activities to Mussa due to restricted access to their farmlands.
According to Hon. Askira, one of the abducted women escaped and was reunited with her family on Sunday. She is reportedly assisting security agencies with crucial information regarding the abduction. The remaining 12 victims, aged between 15 and 20 years, are still missing, and their whereabouts remain unknown.
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In response to the incident, both the Deputy Speaker and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume called on security agencies to intensify search and rescue operations to ensure the safe recovery of the young women. They also urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security operatives, and provide timely intelligence that could prevent further attacks.
The abduction comes amid a spike in insurgent attacks across Borno State. On Saturday night, militants attacked Magumeri Local Government headquarters, destroying houses, vehicles, and other properties, including assets belonging to the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
Meanwhile, military operations in Mallam Fatori, Abadam LGA, successfully repelled an insurgent attack, killing 18 insurgents and preventing them from advancing into the town, although eight CJTF members were injured.
Recent weeks have also seen the death of a brigadier general in Damboa, alongside soldiers and CJTF members in Gwoza and Bama, underscoring the persistent insecurity in the state. Governor Babagana Zulum has called for a statewide fast and prayers, urging residents to stay calm and support security forces in combating the insurgency.
As of now, the police have not issued an official statement on the latest abduction, and efforts to reach the state police spokesman, Nanum Daso, were unsuccessful.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
