Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Families of abducted residents in Borno State have made an emotional appeal to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, begging for the immediate rescue of their loved ones who have now spent 15 weeks in the hands of terrorists. The anguished pleas, reported by Sahara Reporters on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, come amid growing desperation, as the prolonged captivity has left families in agonising suspense, with no clear timeline for the return of their relatives.
According to the report, the abductees were taken from their communities in Borno State in an attack that occurred approximately 15 weeks ago. Since then, their families have lived in constant fear, uncertain of the fate of their loved ones and frustrated by what they perceive as a slow response from security agencies. The victims are believed to be held in terrorist enclaves, where they face harsh conditions, including limited food, inadequate shelter, and the constant threat of violence.
The families have directed their appeal to both President Tinubu and Governor Zulum, urging them to prioritise the rescue of the abductees and to deploy all available resources to secure their release. In their plea, they have also called for greater transparency and communication from security forces, who they say have provided little information about ongoing rescue operations. For many families, the 15-week mark has deepened their anguish, as they fear that the longer the captivity, the slimmer the chances of a safe return.
Borno State has been the epicentre of Nigeria's long-running insurgency, with Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters regularly carrying out abductions, raids, and deadly attacks on civilian populations. While the military has recorded some successes in rescuing hostages and degrading terrorist capabilities, the vastness of the terrain and the resilience of the insurgents have made it difficult to completely eliminate the threat of abductions. Governor Zulum has repeatedly called for more robust military action and has advocated for dialogue and rehabilitation programmes to address the root causes of the insurgency. President Tinubu has also pledged to end insecurity and has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army and the recruitment of additional personnel to strengthen the fight against terrorism.
As the families await news of their loved ones, the clock continues to tick, and the anguish of the abductees' relatives grows with each passing day. The 15-week milestone serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the insurgency and the urgent need for decisive action to secure the release of all those still held captive. The question remains: how many more weeks must these families endure before their loved ones are finally brought home?
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments