‘No Ransom Will Be Paid’ — Sen Ndume Speaks as Boko Haram’s 72-Hour Deadline Expires

Senator Ali Ndume has declared that no ransom will be paid to Boko Haram insurgents, as the group’s 72-hour ultimatum over abducted villagers in Borno State runs out.

The lawmaker insisted that the Federal Government must not give in to pressure, despite growing fears over the fate of the victims.

The abduction, which happened in Muoshi village in early March, has left hundreds of families in distress. Initial reports suggested that over 500 people were taken.

However, the figure was later confirmed to be 416 victims, many of them women and children.

Speaking during an interview, Ndume described the incident as deeply troubling. He said the victims are his constituents and people he knows personally.

“It was unbelievable, shocking, but it is true. These are my people, from my local government, and it’s devastating for the community,” he said.

He added that the affected village is not far from a major route, noting that it is about 12 kilometres from the Maiduguri-Mubi road. This, according to him, raises serious concerns about security presence in the area.

Tension increased after Boko Haram released a video message, issuing a 72-hour ultimatum. The group threatened to relocate the captives if their demands were not met.

“If our demands are not met, we will move these victims, including women and children, to different locations… you may never see them again,” the insurgents warned.

Ndume reacted with concern but urged calm. He stressed that the victims are innocent civilians caught in a dangerous situation.

He also addressed claims circulating online about targeted killings. According to him, the victims include both Christians and Muslims, with a large number being Muslims.

“The captives are innocent civilians, both Christians and Muslims,” he said. “The abductions show there is no such thing as ‘Christian genocide’ in my area. Boko Haram abducted everyone.”

On the issue of ransom, the senator maintained a firm position. He said paying money to terrorists would only worsen the situation and encourage more attacks.

“I stand with the government on this: we will not pay ransom,” he stated.

Despite this stance, Ndume assured that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the abducted victims. He said he has been in contact with security agencies and key authorities handling the situation.

“I’ve talked to various security agencies and those that matter, and they are working on it,” he said.

The senator, however, warned against public discussions that could interfere with security operations. He noted that insurgents often have access to sensitive information.

“I don’t think this conversation should extend to this level, because as I said, it’s a security matter. The terrorists or the insurgents even have more information than you think,” he added.

He urged the government to act within the law while doing everything possible to rescue the victims.

“The bottom line is that government should do whatever it can legitimately, without compromising legalities, sovereignty, or the authority of the Nigerian government, to get these people out,” he said.

Ndume also revealed that efforts are being made through intermediaries to engage the insurgents. He said the ultimatum should not be treated as final, noting that dialogue channels remain open.

“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.

The situation in Borno remains tense as families await updates on the fate of their loved ones.