JUST IN: Borno senator raises alarm over 400 residents abducted by terrorists

Senator Ali Ndume representing Borno South Senatorial District has raised alarm over the abduction of more than 400 residents of Ngoshe community in Gwoza local government area of Borno state.

Ndume said the victims, mostly women and children, were abducted last month by insurgents linked to Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad.

The senator said the insurgents destroyed the community and military posts during the attack, but added that the Nigerian Army has since recaptured Ngoshe from the insurgents.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to take urgent action to secure the release of the abducted residents from the terrorists’ camp.

His words: “It is on record that the Nigerian Army had since recovered Ngoshe from the insurgents and now occupy it. Those who were lucky to have escaped from their villages now seek refuge in Pulka.

“It is appaling that those of us in authority at the Federal level have not met the expectations of our people in fulfillment of this sacred duty of securing lives and property, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

“We call on the Federal Government to take urgent and prompt actions to secure the release of over 400 residents of Ngoshe in captivity.”

Ndume urged the Federal Government to support the reconstruction of the community destroyed by the insurgents.

He said: “We appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to set machinery in motion for the reconstruction of Ngoshe community which has been totally destroyed by the insurgents.

“The Federal Government should urgently support the Borno state government that has already released N100 million for immediate reconstruction, resettlement and rehabilitation of Ngoshe.

“From my interactions with the people, they have indicated their willingness to go back to Ngoshe immediately and live in improvised tents before their houses are re-built in Ngoshe. The people really wants to go back and live in camp in Ngoshe instead of Pulka.

“We urge the Nigerian Armed Forces supported by United States Army to ensure that its actions are sustainable, not intermittent until the terrorists have been wiped out.”