Over 42 women have been seized by Islamic extremist insurgents in an assault in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state, as informed by locals to The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The terrorists targeted the women while they were collecting firewood in Borno’s Jere district, which lies at the heart of a 14-year-long insurgency initiated by the extremist faction known as Boko Haram. The development was revealed by an individual named Abba, who is a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force.
According to local reports, the abducted women hailed from a camp for internally displaced persons in the adjacent Mafa district. They had resorted to selling firewood to supplement their income due to the escalating economic challenges exacerbated by Nigeria’s new presidency.
ALSO READ: Enhancement or Endangerment? Shocking Truths About BBL Complications
Kachalla Maidugu, a government spokesperson in the district, confirmed the occurrence of the incident on Tuesday, which was only reported late on Wednesday. Maidugu stated, “We were informed yesterday that 46 women were abducted, but only four managed to return home, leaving 42 still held captive.”
He added that the insurgents have demanded a ransom of 50,000 naira ($55) for each woman. However, the locals are engaging in negotiations to reduce the ransom amounts for the release of the abducted women.
This recent abduction by the extremist group transpired shortly after they ambushed security personnel safeguarding farmers in the vicinity, as noted by Abba from the local security team.
Originating as Nigeria’s indigenous jihadist insurgents, Boko Haram initiated an insurgency in 2009 aimed at opposing Western education and implementing Islamic Shariah law.
The toll of the extremist violence has been substantial, leading to the loss of over 35,000 lives and displacing approximately 2.1 million individuals, according to data gathered from U.N. agencies operating in Nigeria.
