At least 13 female farmers have been kidnapped in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP militants.
The Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi, said the women, all from Huyim District, were abducted on Saturday while harvesting crops in Mussa District. One victim escaped and returned home on Sunday, but the remaining 12, aged between 15 and 20, are still missing.
He explained that residents of Huyim had been farming in Mussa due to limited access to their own farmlands. Both the Deputy Speaker and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the girls and called on residents to stay alert and support security operations.
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum has declared Monday, November 24, 2025, as a statewide day of fasting and prayer, citing renewed security concerns. In a broadcast, he reminded residents of the state’s 15-year struggle with insurgency and emphasised unity, vigilance, and spiritual intervention. He noted that improved security had enabled a productive farming season and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting agriculture.
Zulum urged all residents, regardless of religion, to join in seeking divine intervention for peace and protection across Borno and Nigeria.
The kidnapping comes amid a rise in abductions, including the recent seizure of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi, 315 students in Niger State, and worshippers attacked during a church service in Kwara State.
