Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have abducted Alhaji Saidu, the newly elected Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, along with two councillors and several passengers. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening along the notorious road between Kamuya village and Buni Yadi.
The officials were traveling toward Maiduguri following the recent Saturday local government polls when their vehicle was intercepted. A senior politician confirmed the incident, stating: “Yes, our newly elected Vice Chairman in the last Saturday local government polls, Alhaji Saidu, and two Councillors representing Zarawuyaku and Miringa Wards of Biu local government area in Borno state were abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists between Kamuya village and Buni Yadi road.”
The terrorists also targeted a Hisbah vehicle traveling from Potiskum. The source added: “They were abducted alongside some unidentified passengers travelling in a Hizbah vehicle en route from Potiskum town of Yobe state to Biu.”
It was further revealed that “one of the councillors abducted was the immediate past vice chairman of Biu local government.”
The 120km stretch of road has long been described by locals as a “death trap” due to frequent insurgent attacks and kidnappings.
Community leaders are now calling for immediate intervention from the authorities. “We are appealing to the government and our security agencies to intensify efforts in rescuing them and other captives safely,” the politician urged.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the Borno State Police Command or the military regarding rescue operations.