No Ransom for Boko Haram Hostages, Says Sen Ndume

Senator Ali Ndume declared that the Nigerian government will not pay any ransom to Boko Haram, despite the expiration of the group's 72-hour ultimatum concerning the abduction of villagers in Borno State. The incident, which occurred in early March, involved the abduction of 416 individuals, including women and children, from the village of Muoshi.

Ndume described the situation as deeply troubling, highlighting the distress faced by the families of the victims. He noted that the village is located approximately 12 kilometers from the major Maiduguri-Mubi road, raising serious security concerns.

Boko Haram issued a video message threatening to relocate the captives if their demands were not met. Ndume urged calm and stressed that the government is actively working with security agencies to secure the release of the victims without compromising legal sovereignty.

He also mentioned that dialogue channels remain open, despite the ultimatum not being treated as final.