A faction of the Boko Haram insurgent group has released a video showing 416 people abducted from Ngoshe, a community in the Gwoza local government area of Borno State, more than a month ago. In the footage, obtained by Business Day on Thursday night, the group provided “proof of life”, interviewing victims while surrounded by heavily armed guards.

The insurgents claimed the captives have not been subjected to torture or sexual harassment. A spokesperson for the group, which identifies as Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) under the leadership of Imam Abu Umaimatul Muhajjir, stated that the video was produced following a request from the Borno South Youths Alliance (BOSYA).

BOSYA President Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama confirmed that the organisation has been acting as a discreet mediator since the victims were captured. Kaigama noted that the official figure of 416 survivors provided by the abductors differs from earlier media reports, which had underestimated the scale of the abduction.

The alliance stressed that its engagement is guided by the need to protect lives and restore dignity to the affected families. While BOSYA explicitly stated it does not support terrorism or insurgency, it maintained that bold steps are necessary to find lasting solutions to the persistent insecurity plagueing the region.

The abducted victims, primarily women and children, appeared on camera to request government intervention. One female victim reported that while they are being provided with food and basic medicine, their situation remains precarious. Infants, the elderly, and women in fragile health are among those currently held in captivity.

BOSYA has called for urgent action from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima. The alliance also appealed for international support from the United Nations and global leaders, including Donald Trump, to facilitate the safe and immediate release of all hostages. (Business Day)