Gunmen have abducted the newly elected Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area in Borno State, Alhaji Saidu, along with two councillors from the same council. The incident has renewed fear and concern over rising insecurity in southern Borno and parts of neighbouring Yobe State.
The abduction reportedly occurred on Wednesday evening along the dangerous stretch of road between Kamuya village and Buni Yadi. The victims were travelling from Biu to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, when they were intercepted by the gunmen.
Apart from the vice chairman, the attackers also abducted two councillors representing Zarawuyaku and Miringa wards in Biu Local Government Area. Local sources confirmed that one of the councillors taken during the attack was the immediate past vice chairman of the local government.
The officials were said to be travelling in a convoy when the attackers struck. Details of how the attack happened remain unclear, but witnesses said the gunmen stopped the vehicles and forcefully took the victims away to an unknown location.
The attackers were heavily armed, causing passengers and drivers along the route to flee for safety.
In addition to the local government officials, unidentified passengers travelling in a Hizbah vehicle were also abducted. The vehicle was said to be coming from Potiskum in Yobe State and heading toward Biu at the time of the attack.
Hizbah vehicles are often used by Islamic security groups or community organisations in some northern states. The passengers were reportedly travelling for personal or official reasons when they were caught in the ambush.
The number of passengers abducted from the Hizbah vehicle could not be immediately confirmed, but community members say several people were taken alongside the politicians.
The abduction has caused panic in Biu and surrounding communities. Residents and community leaders have appealed to the Borno State Government and security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the abducted officials and other victims.
A community leader in Biu, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the people are worried about the safety of the captives, especially given the history of violence along the route.
“We are calling on the government and the military to intensify efforts to rescue them alive. This road has become too dangerous, yet people have no other choice than to use it,” he said.
Families of the abducted officials are also said to be in distress, as there has been no contact from the abductors as of the time of this report.
The road linking Biu in Borno State to Damaturu and Potiskum in Yobe State is about 120 kilometres long and has long been known as a flashpoint for violence. The route passes through Buratai, Kamuya, Buni, and Buni Yadi before reaching Damaturu.
Over the years, the road has witnessed several attacks, including killings, kidnappings, and ambushes by armed groups. Motorists often travel in fear, while some avoid the route entirely unless escorted by security forces.
Southern Borno has witnessed renewed security challenges in recent months, despite claims of improved security in the state. Armed groups have continued to target travellers, farmers, and local officials in remote areas.
While Biu Local Government Area is considered relatively calmer compared to northern parts of Borno, incidents like this highlight the fragile security situation.
Local government officials often travel between Biu and Maiduguri for official duties, making them vulnerable to attacks on the highway.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities are yet to release an official statement on the abduction. The Borno State Police Command and the military have not confirmed the incident publicly.
However, security sources said efforts were ongoing to gather intelligence and track down the attackers. They added that joint security operations may be launched along the affected route.
Residents are hoping for a quick response, noting that delays in past cases often worsened the situation for abducted victims.
This is not the first time public officials or travellers have been abducted along the Biu–Yobe axis. In previous years, politicians, traditional rulers, and commuters have fallen victim to similar attacks.
Some victims were later released after ransom payments, while others were rescued by security forces. Sadly, there have also been cases where abducted persons were killed.
The repeated attacks have raised questions about the safety of major roads in the North-East and the need for stronger security presence.
Civil society groups and residents are calling for increased patrols, checkpoints, and surveillance along the road. Some have also suggested the use of military escorts for officials and commercial vehicles.
They argue that securing the road will not only protect lives but also boost economic activities between Borno and Yobe states.
For now, the focus remains on the safe return of Alhaji Saidu, the two councillors, and other abducted passengers. Community members say prayers are ongoing for their release.
