ISWAP Kidnaps Dozen Teenage Girls in Borno’s Farming Communities

While working on their property in Borno State’s Askira-Uba Local Government Area, a number of young females were kidnapped by members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The attack was verified on Sunday by Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Askira, Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, who said that the terrorists had abducted thirteen youngsters from Mussa district, a nearby farming town.

The victims, who were between the ages of 15 and 20, went to their Mussa property to gather crops when ISWAP fighters assaulted the fields, according to Askira, who represents the Askira-Uba seat.

He claimed that the girls were among the locals who had earlier been moved by the government from Huyim to Mussa because of security concerns.

He said, “The victims are among those relocated to a relatively peaceful community of Mussa to earn means of their livelihoods through joint community farming.”

According to the deputy speaker, one of the kidnapped girls escaped and was reunited with her family early on Sunday.

Twelve others, however, are still in ISWAP custody and their whereabouts are still a mystery.

Askira bemoaned the circumstances and called on the government to take immediate action to prevent more tragedy.

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, responded to the event by denouncing the kidnapping and urging security forces to step up rescue operations.

Ndume urged locals to continue praying for the teenagers’ safe return, stay alert, and promptly notify authorities.