40 abducted residents of Adamawa communities still in captivity 2 years later

Monday, March 31, 2025 - Indication has emerged that 40 of the residents of some villages in Hong Local Government Area, who were abducted two years ago, have remained in captivity.

The affected villages: Kopre, Zah, Kinging, Mubang, and Dabna, said to have a combined population of 10,344, were attacked in 2023 by suspected Boko Haram insurgents who seized some of the residents, with many relocating to other towns, including nearby Hong, Gombi, Song, and Yola.

The Principal Special Assistant to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri on Budget, Dr Herbert Hanawa who hails from one of the affected communities, said 40 individuals from the communities remain in captivity two years after being abducted.

He said only 18 of the victims who were taken away managed to escape after spending a year in captivity, and that nothing has been heard of the missing 40.

Hanawa spoke when he led a delegation from the communities to the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Bathiya Wesley, who represents Hong constituency.

Hanawa, who led the delegation as representative of the District Head of Dugwaba, Mr Simon Buba, said, “40 persons out of 58 from the district who were abducted two years ago are still in captivity.

“18 of the victims managed to escape from the terrorists after spending one year.”

Urging support for the affected families, Hanawa called for the establishment of a military base to protect the communities to secure them in view of their proximity to Sambisa Forest, the den of Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.

Responding, Speaker Bathiya Wesley, who was with the member representing Uba Gaya constituency under which the affected communities fall, Adum Alaba, said Adum had already presented the matter before Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.

“While the relevant authorities are doing their part, I call on communities to unite because together we can do a lot to achieve security,” he said.

He assured the delegation that as their representatives, the legislators from Hong LGA will continue to work to make the lives of the people better.