40 Adamawa Residents Still in Captivity Two Years After Abduction

Forty residents of Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, remain in captivity two years after being abducted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

The affected villages—Kopre, Zah, Kinging, Mubang, and Dabna—were attacked in 2023, forcing many residents to flee to nearby towns such as Hong, Gombi, Song, and Yola.

According to Dr. Herbert Hanawa, Principal Special Assistant to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri on Budget, 58 people were originally kidnapped, but only 18 managed to escape after spending one year in captivity.

“40 persons from the Dugwaba District are still being held by the terrorists, and nothing has been heard about their fate,” Hanawa stated.

He made the revelation while leading a delegation from the affected communities to the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Bathiya Wesley, who represents Hong Constituency.

Hanawa, speaking on behalf of District Head of Dugwaba, Mr. Simon Buba, called for urgent support for the families and the establishment of a military base to secure the communities due to their proximity to Sambisa Forest, a known Boko Haram stronghold.

In response, Speaker Wesley, alongside Adum Alaba, the lawmaker representing Uba Gaya Constituency, assured that the matter had already been presented to Governor Fintiri.

“While the relevant authorities are taking action, I urge communities to unite because together, we can enhance security,” Wesley said.

He reassured the delegation that lawmakers from Hong LGA would continue working to improve security and support the affected families.