Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has reaffirmed his support for the federal government's no-ransom policy amid Boko Haram's 72-hour ultimatum concerning 416 abducted civilians from Muoshi village in Borno State. The abductions occurred in early March, and the victims remain in captivity. Ndume described the situation as devastating, stating that the victims were his constituents and that the location of the abduction was a 12-kilometer drive from the Maiduguri-Mubi road. He confirmed the number of captives as 416, correcting earlier reports of over 500.
In a video, Boko Haram threatened to move the victims, including women and children, to undisclosed locations if their demands were not met. Ndume condemned the abduction of innocent civilians, noting that over 350 of the 416 captives are Muslim, countering claims of a "Christian genocide" in the area. He emphasized that Boko Haram had abducted people indiscriminately. The senator urged the government to act within legal and sovereign boundaries to secure the release of the captives, while declining to discuss operational details. He stated that he had engaged relevant security agencies and that efforts were ongoing.
Ndume reiterated that paying ransom would only encourage further attacks and warned against escalating rhetoric that could compromise sensitive operations.
Senator Ndume insists no ransom be paid while confirming he has personally lobbied security agencies over the 416 captives, exposing a contradiction between public stance and private intervention. His revelation that over 350 of the abductees are Muslim undermines claims of targeted religious violence, yet offers no clarity on why Muoshi was hit. The 72-hour threat expires with no public update on rescue efforts, leaving families in limbo. His appeal to militants not to "just say 72 hours" suggests desperation, not strategy.
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