Abduction of 13 Female Farmers in Borno State Sparks Concern

A recent incident in Borno State, Nigeria, has raised concerns about the safety of civilians in the region. The Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Askira, confirmed that 13 female farmers were abducted in Askira-Uba Local Government Area. The victims, all from Huyim District, were seized on Saturday while traveling to Mussa District to harvest their farm produce.

According to reports, the women were forced to travel to Mussa due to limited access to their own farmlands in Huyim. One of the abducted women managed to escape and returned home on Sunday morning, leaving 12 others, aged between 15 and 20, still missing. The incident has prompted calls for increased security measures in the area.

The Deputy Speaker, along with Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, urged security agencies to intensify search-and-rescue operations to secure the release of the women. They also emphasized the importance of community cooperation, calling on residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to prevent further attacks.

The abduction of the female farmers is a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges in Borno State. The region has been plagued by insurgent activities, which have led to displacement and human rights abuses. The incident highlights the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of insecurity and ensure the protection of civilians, particularly women and girls.

The search-and-rescue operations are currently underway, with security agencies working to locate the missing women. The incident has sparked concern among local residents, who are urging the authorities to take decisive action to prevent such incidents in the future. As the situation unfolds, it is essential for the government and security agencies to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians, particularly in areas prone to insecurity.