Uncertainty is mounting in Borno State following the expiration of a 72-hour ultimatum issued by Boko Haram over hundreds of abducted residents of Ngoshe community, with no official response yet from the federal government or the insurgents.
The development comes as 12 of the 416 victims initially taken hostage have reportedly escaped, leaving 404 others still unaccounted for.
The insurgents had demanded a N5 billion ransom from both the federal government and Borno State authorities, warning that failure to meet the demand could put the captives at risk. They also threatened to relocate the victims and resist any military rescue attempt.
The silence from the administration of Bola Tinubu after the deadline elapsed has heightened fears among residents, particularly families of those still in captivity.
Sources in Pulka said the escape of the 12 victims followed a military operation targeting insurgent enclaves in the area. One of the escapees reportedly disclosed that the fighters fled during the offensive, leaving behind some captives while taking others along.
A local group, the Borno South Youth Alliance, confirmed that the escapees—10 females and two males—are now safe, but stressed that the majority remain in captivity.
The mass abduction traces back to a March 4 attack on a military base and the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area, during which several residents were killed and hundreds taken away.
The incident gained wider attention after a faction of the group, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, released a video on April 20 demanding ransom from authorities.
Residents in surrounding communities are said to be living in fear, uncertain about the next move by the insurgents amid threats to relocate or harm the hostages.
Security analysts say the situation underscores the ongoing vulnerability of rural communities in Borno State, where repeated attacks and large-scale abductions continue to disrupt lives.
They warn that beyond the immediate danger facing the captives, the crisis is eroding public confidence and intensifying calls for more decisive action to secure the release of those still held.