By our reporter 22.4.2026
Ali Ndume the Senator representing Borno South in the National Assembly said no payment of any ransom should be made for the 416 women and children kidnapped in Muoshi community since March by Boko Haram.
The terror group had given a 72-hour ultimatum to the government since Monday to pay up otherwise the victims could be executed or moved to another location where they wouldn’t be seen anymore.
But with 24 hours to go, Senator Ndume said that no ransom should be paid to the insurgents.
“I stand with the government on this: we will not pay ransom,” Ndume told Arise TV in an interview.
However, he noted that he would support whatever action the government would take to set the women and the children free.
“The bottom line is that the government should do whatever it can legitimately, without compromising legalities, sovereignty, or the authority of the Nigerian government, to get these people out.
“It was unbelievable, shocking, but it is true. These are my people, from my local government, and it’s devastating for the community.
“I know the place well; it’s a Kilometers drive from the Maiduguri-Mubi road.”
He also pointed out that out of the 416, over 350 were Muslims, challenging the narrative of “Christian genocide” that had been circulating.
“The captives are innocent civilians, both Christians and Muslims,” Ndume said. “The abductions show there is no such thing as ‘Christian genocide’ in my area. Boko Haram abducted everyone.”
He noted that the security agencies are working to ensure that the victims are freed and reunited with families.
“I’ve talked to various security agencies and those that matter, and they are working on it.”
“We have communicated through the person going in between to say, ‘Look, you just don’t say 72 hours; do this and do that.’ We are appealing because the threat serves no purpose,” he concluded