Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have abducted the newly elected Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, Alhaji Saidu, alongside two councillors representing Zarawuyaku and Miringa wards.
The abduction reportedly occurred on Wednesday evening along the Kamuya village–Buni Yadi road as the victims were travelling from Biu to Maiduguri, shortly after last Saturday’s local government elections.
Also kidnapped during the attack were some unidentified passengers travelling in a Hisbah vehicle en route from Potiskum in Yobe State to Biu.
Credible sources disclosed that one of the abducted councillors is the immediate past Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government, raising further concern over the targeted nature of the attack.
Confirming the incident, a senior politician in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said:
“Yes, our newly elected Vice Chairman, Alhaji Saidu, and two councillors representing Zarawuyaku and Miringa wards were abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists between Kamuya village and Buni Yadi road.
“They were abducted alongside some passengers travelling in a Hisbah vehicle from Potiskum to Biu. One of the councillors is the immediate past Vice Chairman of the local government.
“We are appealing to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue them and other captives safely.”
The Biu–Buratai–Kamuya–Buni–Damaturu road, spanning approximately 120 kilometres, has long been notorious for deadly attacks, with several commuters reportedly killed or abducted by insurgents while travelling along the route.
Residents and political leaders in the area have renewed calls on security agencies to step up surveillance and secure the highway to prevent further attacks.
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