Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have released 416 women and children abducted from Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, bringing relief to families and residents who have waited months for news of their loved ones.
The development was confirmed on Sunday by the president of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), Samaila Kaigama, who disclosed that the captives regained their freedom on June 6 after prolonged engagements involving the group.
Kaigama said the release marked a significant breakthrough in efforts to secure the freedom of those taken during attacks linked to the insurgency in the troubled North-East region.
According to him, the victims, made up largely of women and children, were freed following sustained discussions and advocacy aimed at ensuring their safe return to their communities.
Confirming the development to journalists, Kaigama stated that BOSYA played a key role in facilitating communication surrounding the victims’ plight and worked tirelessly to push for their release. He expressed gratitude that months of persistent efforts had finally yielded results, describing the outcome as a moment of relief for affected families and the wider Ngoshe community.
“BOSYA has secured the release of all the Ngoshe 416 women and children. They were released on June 6,” Kaigama said while expressing satisfaction over the development.
He noted that the organisation remained committed to supporting communities affected by insurgency and ensuring that the concerns of victims continued to receive attention.
The youth leader further appealed to the Federal Government, the Borno State Government, and relevant local government authorities to immediately commence proper screening and documentation of the released captives.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that the victims receive necessary support, rehabilitation and reintegration services after their prolonged period in captivity.
The release comes months after concerns intensified over the fate of the abductees following attacks by insurgents in the Ngoshe area. Previous reports had indicated that BOSYA had maintained communication channels regarding the victims and had acted as an intermediary in efforts to obtain information about their condition and possible release.
Earlier reports from April revealed that the abducted victims had been displayed by the terrorist group, raising fears among residents and relatives.
Ngoshe has remained one of the communities impacted by years of insurgency in the North-East. On March 4, insurgents reportedly attacked a military base in the area, setting operational vehicles ablaze, forcing security personnel to withdraw from positions and causing casualties.
Several residents were also abducted during the violence, further worsening the humanitarian situation in the community.
