Suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants ambushed and abducted the newly elected Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, Alhaji Saidu, along with two councillors representing Zarawuyaku and Miringa wards, on Wednesday evening. The attack occurred along the notorious Kamuya village–Buni Yadi road—a stretch of highway long plagued by insurgent ambushes and kidnappings in Nigeria’s North-East.
The victims were reportedly travelling toward Maiduguri following the recent local government elections when their convoy was intercepted by armed fighters. The assailants did not limit their assault to the political delegation. Passengers travelling in separate vehicles, including a Hisbah organisation vehicle coming from Potiskum in Yobe State and a Jamatul Nasrul Islam bus heading to Biu, were also seized during the attack.
One of the councillors abducted is said to be the immediate past vice chairman of Biu Local Government Area. Residents and political leaders have expressed alarm over the persistent insecurity along the 120-kilometre corridor linking Biu, Buratai, Kamuya, Buni and Damaturu—a route that has seen multiple killings and kidnappings despite repeated assurances of improved security.
Appeals are now being made to the federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to intensify efforts to secure the release of the captives and restore safety for travellers in the region.
