Ali Ndume, the legislator for the Borno South senatorial district, has promised that the rebels who kidnapped people from the hamlet of Muoshi, Borno State, in early March will not get a ransom.
The lawmaker’s statement coincides with Boko Haram’s 72-hour deadline for the 416, according to Naija News.
Boko Haram militants issued a terrifying 72-hour ultimatum in a recent video, threatening to relocate the kidnapped victims to unidentified places if their demands were not fulfilled.
“If our demands are not met, we will move these victims, including women and children, to different locations,” the extremists said. You might not see them ever again.
Ndume voiced his concerns about the remark during a broadcast on Arise Television, especially with reference to the hostages’ innocence.
The congressman spoke to the horrific truth of the occurrence, which at first involved over 500 persons but was ultimately determined to have only involved 416.
It was shocking and unbelievable, but it’s real. These representatives of my local government are my people, and it is disastrous for the neighborhood.
Ndume remarked, “I know the place well; it’s a 12-kilometer drive from the Maiduguri-Mubi road.”
Additionally, he challenged the idea of “Christian genocide” by pointing out that over 350 of the 416 were Muslims.
Ndume stated, “The prisoners are innocent civilians, both Christians and Muslims.” “The kidnappings demonstrate that “Christian genocide” does not exist in my region. Everyone was kidnapped by Boko Haram.
Senator Ndume reaffirmed his steadfast support for the government’s refusal to pay the ransom, stressing that doing so would simply give the rebels more confidence. “I agree with the government that we won’t pay a ransom.”
Ndume emphasized that the government is actively trying to rescue the kidnapped victims even if he supported the no-ransom policy.
Additionally, he stated that he did not wish to discuss operational specifics, emphasizing that the terrorists possess more information than you may imagine.
Since it’s a security issue, I don’t think this discussion should go this far. You might be surprised to learn how much knowledge the terrorists or militants possess. In the end, he said, “the government should do whatever it can lawfully, without compromising legalities, sovereignty, or the authority of the Nigerian government, to get these people out.”
“I’ve talked to various security agencies and those that matter, and they are working on it,” he emphasized.
“Look, you just don’t say 72 hours; do this and do that,” we have sent through the intermediary. The threat is pointless, which is why we are appealing,” he said.
