Dozen hostages break free from Boko Haram in Borno, 18 fatalities reported in new Gwoza assault

A total of 12 out of 416 victims abducted by Boko Haram terrorists in Ngoshe community, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, have managed to escape, this development comes shortly after a 72-hour ultimatum was given to the state and federal governments to respond to the terrorist demands.

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The insurgents had threatened to resist any forceful rescue attempt by the government and relocate the captives to different locations, a move that has sparked widespread concern about the safety of the remaining victims.

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Tragedy struck on Thursday when 18 people, including firewood scavengers and farmers, were killed in a Boko Haram ambush at the outskirts of Gwoza local government area, the victims were shot at sight while targeting anyone in the bush or clearing their farmlands.

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According to Mallam Haruna Hayatu, a cameraman attached to the Information Unit of Gwoza Council, 18 dead bodies have been recovered in the nearby surroundings of Gwoza town, with more victims feared dead or missing.

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Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume confirmed the latest killings, stating that he received a distress call about 18 of his constituents who were ambushed and killed by terrorists while working on their farms.

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Ndume expressed his condolences, saying "May Allah grant Aljannatul Firdaus to their Souls, and may their families bear the irreparable loss", as he condemned the senseless killings.

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A source from Pulka revealed that the 12 escaped victims, comprising 10 men and 2 males, were able to flee after the military invaded one of the Boko Haram locations, forcing the insurgents to abandon some of the captives.

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Samaila Kaigama, president of the Borno South Youth Alliance, confirmed that the escaped victims are now safe in a nearby town, and identified them as 10 females and 2 males, including Aisha Audu, Hajara Audu, and Aisha Idrisa.

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The list of escaped victims also includes Hafsat Idrisa, Aisha Abubakar Bama, Maryam Umar, Zainabu Umar Mbasuwa, Salma Abubakar, Musa Umar, Suleiman Umar, Aisha Abubakar, and Aisha Musa, all of whom were held by the insurgents after the March 4 attack.

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The Borno South Youth Alliance has been communicating with the insurgents to ensure the safe release of the remaining victims, who were abducted after the attack on the military base and Ngoshe community that left an unspecified number of persons dead.

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On April 20, a faction of Boko Haram, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidwatu Wal-Jihad under Imam Abu Ubaida, released a video demanding that the federal and state governments pay them ransom, and warning the military against any attempt to forcefully rescue the 416 abducted victims.

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However, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume has kicked against any move to pay ransom for the release of the 416 Ngoshe victims, a stance that highlights the complexities of the situation and the need for a sustainable solution.