By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
A faction of the Boko Haram group, identified as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, has released a video showing the condition of the 416 abducted victims in Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, assuring all that they are healthy and have not been subjected to torture or sexual harassment
In the video obtained by The Punch correspondent on Thursday, the group displayed and interviewed the victims, comprising mostly women and children, with a few men.
A member of the group, who spoke on their behalf in the six-minute, 43-second clip, said the video was made following a request by a group known as the Borno South Youths Alliance, which it confirmed has been acting as a mediator since the victims were held in captivity.
The spokesperson, who did not identify himself, said, “We are Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaimatul Muhajjir. We are here to clear a few issues as requested by the organisation, Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA). As you can see, they (victims) are fine, we do not harm them or rape them. We are doing this because religion taught us so.”
He continued, “Without wasting time, we will now turn the camera to them to speak as requested that we do this video and ordered by our leader to do so”
The spokesperson, after turning the camera to one of the female victims, asked her to speak about their current condition and make her request to the government.
She responded, “We are the people of Ngoshe who were abducted during the last attack. We are grateful to Allah, we are hale and healthy with women and children. Some of the sick people here are treated, given medicine and taken care of. Some of our children are brought here without clothes and are given clothes to wear. We thank God. They gave us where to sleep and provided us with food.”
She continued, “We thank God. The truth is, we are restless and worried about our families and relatives well being. Some were killed by airforce bombs. Some were affected by different calamities. Some of our families don’t even know whether we are dead or alive, but we are grateful this video will show signs of life and health.
“We call on all Nigerian leaders, starting from President Bola Tinubu, to Kashim Shettima, Babagana Zulum, and Sen Ali Ndume, Chairman of Gwoza Local Government. Our House of Representatives member, Babawo, and all our Gwoza leaders. We are crying that you come to our aid. We want to return to our home because we are not used to staying away from our homes. Our children and parents are all worried, and it’s very difficult to leave here.”
Confirming the number of the victims, the Borno South Youth Alliance said a total of 416 people are currently in the custody of the terrorist group.
In a statement late Thursday night, the President of the group, Samaila Kaigama, said the figure was obtained following days of engagement, discussions, and humanitarian appeals with the group.
According to him, the figure differs from earlier reports circulated by sections of the media, which underestimated the true scale of the situation.
The statement reads, “The Borno South Youth Alliance wishes to inform the public that we have been actively and discreetly mediating for the release of our Southern Borno brothers and sisters who were abducted when insurgents overran Ngoshe.
“Following days of engagement, discussions, and humanitarian appeals, we were provided with an official figure of 416 victims currently alive in captivity by the abductors.
“This figure differs from earlier reports circulated by sections of the media, which underestimated the true scale of the situation.”
The group stated that its efforts do not in any way support the insurgents, but rather give a voice to the kidnapped victims
He said, “We wish to state clearly and unequivocally that BOSYA does not support terrorism, insurgency, or the abduction of innocent civilians.
“However, as representatives of our people, we are prepared to take bold and necessary steps in pursuit of solutions, especially lasting solutions to the persistent insecurity affecting our region.
“The voices of the kidnapped victims must be heard not just nationally, but globally.”
While calling for urgent government intervention, he cited recent locations where mediations have played key roles in freeing victims across Nigeria
Kaigama said, “We have witnessed cases in states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi where abducted victims regained freedom following interventions by individuals such as Sheikh Ahmad Gumi.
“We therefore expect equal urgency and commitment in addressing the plight of the Ngoshe victims. No region or group of citizens should be treated with less priority.
“The freedom, safety, and well-being of the abducted victims from Gwoza, particularly those from Ngoshe, are non-negotiable. We urge the government to act decisively, just as they have been doing in other parts of the country.”
He further called on the international community to support the rescue efforts towards the safe return of the victims.
“We call on the Nigerian government, international partners, the United Nations, and global leaders, including Donald Trump, to support efforts toward the safe and immediate release of all abducted victims. Among them are vulnerable groups, including infants, young children, elderly individuals, and women in extremely fragile condition,” he said.
“Let it be known to the world that BOSYA is actively mediating and advocating for the release of Southern Borno indigenes held captive. We also call on both the Nigerian Government and the Borno State Government to demonstrate visible and measurable efforts in securing their freedom,” the statement concluded.
Punch Online had reported that on March 4, the terrorist group stormed a military base in Ngoshe where they burnt down operational vehicles, dispersed security forces, and killed an unknown number of victims before abducting several others.
The Punch