Borno Youth Group Raises Alarm as Boko Haram Issues 72-Hour Ultimatum Over 416 Abductees

A youth organisation in Borno State has raised urgent concern after Boko Haram reportedly issued a 72-hour ultimatum tied to the fate of 416 women and children abducted in Ngoshe community, escalating fears over an already fragile humanitarian situation in the region.

The Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA) is calling for immediate intervention from the federal and state governments, as well as influential individuals and humanitarian actors, to prevent what it describes as a worsening crisis involving mass abductions.

According to the group, the ultimatum followed a mediation effort it led to secure the release of the abducted victims, with demands allegedly communicated to the armed group during ongoing negotiations.

BOSYA’s president, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, said the group received intelligence indicating that a “final warning” video had been sent, alongside a ransom demand reportedly set at N5 billion for the release of the captives.

He explained that instructions regarding the proposed release process were also conveyed during the communication, heightening urgency around the situation.

The alliance warned that time is running out and urged swift action to avoid further harm to the abducted women and children, stressing that the matter has moved beyond negotiation into a critical humanitarian emergency.

In its appeal, BOSYA called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and prominent Nigerians including Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu to step in immediately.

The group also appealed to other wealthy individuals from northern Nigeria to support efforts aimed at securing the safe return of the victims.

It described the situation as one requiring “compassion, unity, and urgent coordinated action” from all stakeholders, warning that delays could worsen the outcome for the abductees.

Authorities have yet to issue an official response to the reported ultimatum or the ongoing mediation efforts as anxiety continues to grow across affected communities