The Boko Haram abduction of local government officials has shaken Biu Local Government Area in Borno State after gunmen kidnapped the vice chairman and two councillors.
Suspected Boko Haram fighters seized Alhaji Saidu, the newly elected vice chairman, along with councillors from Zarawuyaku and Miringa wards. Voters elected the officials during last Saturday’s local government elections.
The attack happened on Wednesday afternoon along the Kamuya–Buni Yadi road. The officials were travelling from Biu to Maiduguri when the gunmen struck.
Boko Haram Abduction Happens on Kamuya–Buni Yadi Road
A security source in Maiduguri confirmed the abduction and said the attackers also kidnapped other travellers along the same route.
“Beside the kidnap of three new council officials, an unspecified number of persons were also abducted on Wednesday evening in a Hisbah bus along the same road, while travelling from Potiskum to Biu,” the source said.
“The abduction along the 130km Damaturu-Biu road occurred on Wednesday, when the elected politicians were travelling from Biu, the council headquarters, to Maiduguri,” the source added.
The source also disclosed that one of the kidnapped councillors previously served as vice chairman of the local government.
Police Respond to Abduction in Borno
The Borno State Police Command confirmed that relatives of the victims reported the Boko Haram abduction to the police.
“We have received the report from their relatives that five persons, including the newly elected vice chairman of Biu Local Government and two councillors, were abducted yesterday around 4 p.m. between Kamuya village and Buni Yadi road,” the police spokesperson said.
He said the Commissioner of Police immediately ordered an investigation.
“The CP has ordered immediate investigation and that the area commander should take charge. We got the report today. Very soon, we will release a formal report,” he said.
Community Leaders React to Abduction
A leader from the Miringa community urged the Borno State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.
He said the attackers likely moved the captives toward the Sambisa Forest and warned against delays.
Residents of Biu also condemned the Boko Haram abduction and described the incident as devastating.
“Alhaji Saidu was just elected on Saturday as vice chairman. It came as a shock to us in town that he and two other councillors representing Zarawuyaku and Miringa wards in Biu were abducted by Boko Haram. We call on the government to prioritise their release as soon as possible,” a resident said.
For years, Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters have attacked motorists, farmers, and commuters along the Kamuya–Buni Yadi–Miringa corridor.
