In a harrowing development in north-eastern Nigeria, Boko Haram jihadists have struck once again, leaving dozens of displaced individuals, predominantly women, feared to have been abducted. The victims, residents of a camp in the town of Gamboru Ngala, had sought refuge after fleeing their homes amid relentless attacks by insurgents. The distressing incident unfolded as the group ventured out to collect firewood, a routine task that turned into a nightmare for these vulnerable individuals.
The United Nations has unequivocally condemned the reported abductions, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of those taken captive. Mohamed Malick Fall, the UN’s Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, expressed deep concern over the situation. Although the exact number of victims remains unknown, estimates suggest that over 200 people, predominantly women, have fallen prey to this heinous act.
In a poignant statement released on Wednesday, Mr. Fall underscored that this incident serves as a stark reminder of the disproportionate impact the Islamist insurgency has on women and girls in north-east Nigeria. He extended heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims and urged authorities to take proactive measures in providing more livelihood opportunities for displaced persons in camps, thereby mitigating the risks they face.
The remote town of Gamboru Ngala, situated on the shores of Lake Chad, has become the latest battleground in the ongoing conflict, rendering communication challenging. The jihadists’ destruction of mobile phone masts and other telecommunication infrastructure has left the community isolated, with local residents resorting to crossing into neighbouring Cameroon to make phone calls.
Local authorities in Borno state, where the abductions occurred, have confirmed the deployment of a response team to the affected area. However, specific details regarding the operation remain undisclosed, contributing to the air of uncertainty surrounding the fate of those taken captive. The road leading to Gamboru Ngala has been closed, hindering both access and the flow of information.
The timing of these abductions is particularly concerning, given recent claims by Borno’s state government that 95% of Boko Haram fighters are either dead or have surrendered. Despite this assertion, neither the state nor the federal government has issued any official statements on the latest abductions. Umar Mohammed, the chairman of the local government in the area, confirmed the kidnappings without specifying the number of victims.
According to accounts from Gamboru Ngala residents, the grim incident occurred several days ago, with details only surfacing now due to the town’s remote location. A resident, requesting anonymity for fear of reprisals, disclosed that over 200 displaced people had gone to collect firewood when they were kidnapped by Boko Haram. Only the very young and very old were reportedly allowed to return, adding a layer of tragedy to the unfolding crisis.
An anti-jihadist militia leader in the region, Shehu Mada, attributed the abductions to an offshoot of Boko Haram known as the Islamic State of West Africa Province (Iswap). According to Mada, a headcount revealed that 47 women had been captured, while others managed to escape the clutches of their captors.
The insurgency in northern Nigeria has been an enduring tragedy since 2009, claiming the lives of more than 40,000 people and displacing a staggering two million individuals. The latest incident in Gamboru Ngala highlights the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in the region and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the complex security and humanitarian challenges facing the affected communities. As the international community awaits further updates, the focus remains on the swift and safe return of the abducted individuals, and the prevention of future atrocities by these terrorist organizations.
