The Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has taken swift action by dispatching a search team to collaborate with security forces in the rescue mission of over 200 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who were reportedly abducted while gathering firewood in Gamboru Ngala LGA.
Dr. Barkindo Saidu, the director-general of SEMA, revealed this development to Daily Trust on Thursday, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to locating the missing IDPs. He clarified that until a formal claim of abduction is made by the perpetrators, the status of the missing individuals cannot be definitively classified as abduction.
Saidu outlined that the agency’s search and rescue team will work in tandem with security personnel to locate and secure the abducted IDPs, pending further information on the situation.
He also mentioned that the state government has provided food supplies to the families of the missing individuals to offer support during this challenging time.
In a separate statement, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum stated that the state government is awaiting an official report on the incident involving the abducted IDPs.
The governor made this known during a visit by a delegation of ambassadors, led by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, in Maiduguri on Thursday.
Furthermore, the House of Representatives has urged security agencies to intensify efforts in rescuing the abducted IDPs, following a motion presented by Rep. Zainab Gimba (APC, Borno) during Thursday’s plenary session.
