Borno State families sell homes to prepare for kidnapping ransoms

Families of 52 residents kidnapped across Borno State have begun selling their homes in anticipation of ransom demands. The victims were abducted by gunmen from various parts of the state on April 15.

Hassan Yati, a spokesperson for the families, reported that the financial strain is being compounded by fraud. One family, whose two sons were taken, lost ₦1.5 million to individuals posing as abductors who demanded ₦3 million; the actual terrorists had not authorized any ransom collection.

In the Biu Local Government Area, one mother sold her family home to prepare for potential demands. Yati also noted he has put his own family house up for sale because his younger brother and sister-in-law were among those abducted. Families have expressed frustration over a perceived lack of government response and the prolonged uncertainty regarding the whereabouts of their loved ones.