Reports indicate that nine out of the 102 Gamboru-Ngala IDPs from Borno State, who were reportedly abducted by Boko Haram while collecting firewood, have made it back home.
While the media and UN confirmed the abduction, the Borno State government believes they simply got lost in the wilderness and were not abducted.
Dr. Barkindo Mohammed Saidu, Director-General of Borno SEMA, dismissed the abduction narrative, stating that no ransom demands were made, suggesting the IDPs were not taken captive.
As of March 10, there was no ransom demand reported, reinforcing the government’s belief that the IDPs were not actually abducted.
Dr. Saidu disclosed that nine of the “missing” IDPs had returned to the camp on March 8, with instructions for increased vigilance to monitor any further returnees.
The government’s skepticism was evident as Dr. Saidu emphasized the lack of trustworthiness among the IDPs when it comes to reporting numbers or situations.
He highlighted the strained relationship between IDPs, the government, and NGOs, suggesting that numbers may be exaggerated or downplayed depending on the circumstances.
Dr. Saidu’s doubts extended to the official abduction story and the reported numbers, raising questions about the credibility of the IDPs’ accounts.
Efforts to reach the military for an update on the situation were not immediately successful.