The recent abduction of 13 female farmers in Borno State, Nigeria, has heightened concerns about civilian safety in the region. Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Askira, confirmed that the women, all from Huyim District, were seized on Saturday while traveling to Mussa District to harvest their produce. Limited access to their own farmlands in Huyim forced them to make the trip. One woman escaped and returned home on Sunday morning, but the remaining 12, aged between 15 and 20, are still missing.
The incident has prompted calls for stronger security measures. Deputy Speaker Askira, together with Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume of Borno South, urged security agencies to intensify search‑and‑rescue operations and secure the women’s release. They also emphasized the need for community cooperation, urging residents to stay vigilant and provide timely information to prevent further attacks.
The kidnapping underscores the ongoing security challenges in Borno State, a region plagued by insurgent activity, displacement, and human rights abuses. It highlights the necessity of sustained efforts to address the root causes of insecurity and to protect civilians, especially women and girls. Search‑and‑rescue operations are currently underway as authorities work to locate the missing women. Local residents are urging decisive action to prevent similar incidents in the future, stressing that the government and security agencies must prioritize the safety and well‑being of civilians in insecure areas.
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