iDeemlawfulSuspected Boko Haram terrorists have kidnapped the newly elected Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, Alhaji Saidu, two councillors from Zarawuyaku and Miringa wards, as well as two other travellers in Borno State.
The victims were reportedly taken at about 4 p.m. on Wednesday along the Kamuya village–Buni Yadi road within the local government area.
Confirming the incident to The PUNCH on Thursday, the Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said the state Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, had directed an immediate probe into the incident.
He said, “We have received information 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 declined to reveal the identities of the remaining victims but assured that investigations were ongoing and that an official update would be issued soon.
“The CP has ordered an immediate investigation and directed the area commander to take charge. We received the report today (Thursday). A formal report will be released shortly,” he added.
Residents of the community described the abduction as disturbing and urged authorities to act swiftly to secure the release of the abducted officials.
“Alhaji Saidu was just elected on Saturday as vice chairman. It was shocking to learn that he and two councillors representing Zarawuyaku and Miringa wards in Biu were abducted by Boko Haram. We appeal to the government to make their release a priority,” a resident said.
The resident, however, could not confirm the names of the ward councillors involved.
Borno State conducted its Local Government elections on Saturday, December 13, during which the All Progressives Congress won all 27 local government chairmanship seats.
The Chairman of the Borno State Independent Electoral Commission, Tahiru Shettima, described the election as peaceful, stating,
“I think the commission has done its best and the election was free, fair, inclusive, and transparent.”