By: Gbenga Akingbule
Community leaders in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State on Tuesday said they are compiling names of residents still believed to be held captive by Boko Haram terrorists , months after the insurgents launched devastating attacks on the community.
Gatekeepers News reports that the community leaders did not disclose the number of residents they have compiled but promise to make it rpublic as soon as they’re done with the excercuse .
Prof. Suleiman Bello,.Chairman, Ngoshe Stakeholders Forum made the disclosure during a press conference held in Maidugurin, the Borno srate capital.
On Monday , Borno state Governor , Prof . Babagana Zulum confirned that 434 residents comprising Men , Women and Children have so far regained freedom from the enclave to the nitorious Boko Haram terrorusts.
The move , according to Prof Bello is aimed at establishing an accurate record of those yet to regained freedom and drawing the attention of relevant authorities to their plight.
The Chairman revealed that over 12 000 residents were present in Ngosge before the deadly attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists noting that ” it would take some time to put togethe the accurate number of missing persons that may still be in Boko Haram captivity.
” We are currrently working on the numbers,.we’re making inquiries from those that have been relesed . We will come back to the press to state the number of people that are missing and may be in Boko Haram captivity.” Prof Bello said .
The stakeholdes also siezed the opptunity to commend Presidnet Bola Ahmed Tinubu ,.Governor Babagana Zulum and security agencies for their roles is scuring the safe return of over 400 abducted persons .
” On behalf of the people and stakeholders of Ngoshe, we wish to express our profound appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for its sustained commitment towards restoring peace and securing the lives of citizens affected by insurgency in the North-East.
” We most sincerely commend the Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency, Engr. Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for his relentless leadership, compassion, and commitment towards the rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement of displaced communities across Borno State, particularly Ngoshe and surrounding communities.
” We also extend our deepest appreciation to the Nigerian Army, especially troops stationed in Ngoshe, Pulka and Gwoza, whose sacrifices, resilience and patriotism continue to guarantee security and hope for our people despite enormous challenges.
“Our gratitude equally goes to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for its prompt intervention through the provision of relief materials, humanitarian assistance and technical support towards the safe and dignified reintegration of the released captives.
“Special appreciation is also extended to Distinguished Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, whose consistent support, advocacy and solidarity with Ngoshe displaced persons and victims of insurgency have remained commendable and deeply appreciated by our people.” Prof .Bello said .
