Families seek rescue of 13 abducted travellers

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By Ndahi Marama

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MAIDUGURI — Families of 13 travellers abducted along the Biu–Damaturu Road through the Kamuya axis of Borno State have appealed to the Federal Government, Borno State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of their loved ones.

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The victims were reportedly abducted on April 15, 2026, when suspected Boko Haram insurgents intercepted two Golf Wagon vehicles conveying passengers along the route.

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Since the incident, the families said they have received little or no information about the whereabouts or condition of the victims, leaving relatives in fear, uncertainty and emotional distress.

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The appeal was contained in a statement signed by Mallam Hassan Yati on behalf of the affected families.

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Yati said some of those abducted were women and children, including a seven-month-old baby, describing the situation as heartbreaking and traumatic for their relatives.

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According to him, family members have continued to endure sleepless nights and growing anxiety as weeks pass without any positive update on rescue efforts.

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The families called on government authorities, security agencies, humanitarian organisations and other relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene and ensure the safe rescue of the abducted travellers.

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They stressed that every passing day deepens the suffering of families whose only wish is to see their loved ones return home safely.

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The families also appealed to Nigerians to remember the victims in their prayers and support lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace and security along major highways affected by insurgency in the North-East.

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They expressed hope that with coordinated and sustained action by relevant authorities, the victims could be rescued alive and reunited with their families.

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Meanwhile, residents have continued to raise concerns over the deplorable condition of the Buni Gari–Kamuya–Buratai–Biu road, which serves as a major route linking communities in Biu, Hawul, Bayo, Shani and Kwaya Kusar local government areas of southern Borno State, as well as parts of Adamawa and Gombe states.

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The road has long been regarded as a security flashpoint, with insurgents reportedly exploiting its poor condition to launch attacks on motorists and travellers.

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