The United Nations office in Nigeria has reported the abduction of approximately 200 individuals, primarily women and children, by Islamist extremists.
These victims, displaced by the ongoing violence in northeastern Nigeria, were reportedly taken hostage while gathering firewood near the Chad border.
The UN disclosed that the victims had ventured from several displacement camps in search of firewood within the Gamboru Ngala council area of Borno state. It was during this excursion that they were ambushed and subsequently abducted. This incident is the latest in a series of attacks that have plagued the conflict-ridden region, where frequent abductions and killings have severely restricted movement.
"The exact number of people abducted remains unknown but is estimated at over 200 people," stated Mohamed Fall, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Nigeria. The details of these attacks, which transpired several days ago, are only now coming to light due to the limited access to information in the area.
Mr. Fall further added, "While an unspecified number of older women and children under 10 have reportedly been released, scores of IDs remain unaccounted for, according to protection partners."
Local sources have attributed this attack to Islamist extremist rebels who initiated an insurgency in Borno in 2009. Their objective is to establish their radical interpretation of Islamic law in the region. The violence instigated by the militant group Boko Haram and a splinter faction supported by the so-called Islamic State group has resulted in the death of at least 35,000 people and the displacement of over two million.
The security in displacement camps such as those in Gamboru Ngala is limited to areas in close proximity to the camp. This leaves the displaced individuals with the grim choice of either starving in the camps due to dwindling aid or risking their safety in search of food.
Mr. Fall described the recent attack as a "stark reminder" of how women and girls are disproportionately affected by the conflict. He demanded the immediate release of the victims, stating, "This act of violence against already traumatized citizens offends our common humanity."
The Nigerian security forces, already stretched thin fighting the insurgents, are also grappling with numerous armed groups launching attacks on remote communities in other parts of the northern region. These crises have increased the pressure on Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, who was elected last year on the promise of ending the violence.
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