Stakeholders from Gwoza Local Government Area have called for urgent Federal Government intervention following the circulation of a distressing video showing women and elderly persons held captive by insurgents.
The stakeholders made the appeal during a high-level emergency meeting convened by the Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Mohammed Ali Ndume, to address growing concerns over the welfare of residents of Ngoshe and surrounding communities.
The video, which has circulated widely, triggered fear and renewed calls for urgent humanitarian and security intervention among residents and affected families.
Addressing participants at the meeting, Ndume condemned what he described as misleading narratives suggesting genocidal patterns in the abductions, clarifying that victims in captivity cut across tribes and religious groups.
He noted that the primary concern should remain the safety and rescue of all affected persons, irrespective of background.
The senator also commended the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, for his continued support and interventions aimed at addressing the plight of residents of Ngoshe and neighbouring communities.
Stakeholders at the meeting listed several key demands, including immediate Federal Government action to secure the safe release of all captives shown in the video.
They also called for urgent reconstruction of the road linking Pulka to Ngoshe to improve access for security personnel and humanitarian agencies.
Other demands included emergency rebuilding of homes destroyed by insurgent attacks ahead of the rainy season, provision of additional operational support to security agencies and community defence groups, and expansion of humanitarian assistance for displaced and traumatised families.
Also speaking at the meeting, Suleiman Bello disclosed that upon learning of the situation in Gwoza, he contacted Ndume, who subsequently released resources to procure and distribute relief materials to affected persons.
In her remarks, Saratu Ayuba, speaking on behalf of the Ngoshe community, expressed appreciation to the lawmaker for his prompt response and support.
She urged residents to remain united and resilient while supporting ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability to their communities.
The stakeholders resolved to engage the international community through a planned press conference to draw global attention to the humanitarian situation in Gwoza and neighbouring areas.
