A distressing report has emerged from Ngala, the headquarters of Gambarou Ngala in Borno State, detailing a large-scale abduction of female internally displaced persons (IDPs) by Boko Haram insurgents.
According to details obtained by Daily Trust from a local source, an alarming number of 319 women were reportedly taken by the terrorist group, sparking concerns about the safety of vulnerable populations in conflict-affected regions.
Confirming the abduction, a security source, who preferred anonymity, acknowledged the discrepancy in reported numbers, indicating that approximately 113 IDPs were abducted, contrasting with the higher figure circulating in reports.
Further insights from a source within the Babban Sansani IDP camp unveiled that the incident transpired last Sunday when women ventured into the bush to collect firewood for domestic and commercial purposes, only to fall into the hands of the insurgents.
According to the source, “They were surrounded by the insurgents in Bula kunte bush in the western part of Ngala town. They freed the old-aged and entered the bush with 319 able-bodied young girls and some young boys.”
Narrating their harrowing escape, three girls who managed to flee and return to Ngala recounted how the insurgents transported them to a bush near Bukar-mairam village in Chad republic.
Reflecting on the dire circumstances driving IDPs into risky situations, another source from the security emphasized the economic pressure compelling them to seek livelihoods despite the dangers.
“We always warn them to stay within safe areas, but it’s the economic pressure that forces most of them to go,” the source lamented. “They have no means of livelihood other than cutting trees for sale. A small measure of corn flour is sold at N2,200. Where can they get the money to buy? We can’t stop them if we can’t feed them.”
