Public anger and anxiety are mounting after a faction of Boko Haram reportedly abducted 416 women and children from Ngoshe Village in Borno State, demanding a ₦5 billion ransom while threatening mass execution if their conditions are not met.
The attack by the terrorists, which occurred between March 3 and 6, 2026, allegedly overran a military base and left dozens of villagers dead.
In a video released on April 20, the insurgents issued a 72-hour ultimatum, warning that killings could begin after the deadline if the ransom is not paid.
The group also rejected any form of military rescue.
As of now, there has been no official response from the federal government or the military, which has long maintained a no-ransom policy in dealing with terrorist groups.
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The development has sparked intense reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over what they describe as repeated security failures and a lack of decisive action.
One user, @Knownoutsider, criticized the government’s perceived inability to prevent recurring kidnappings, arguing that ransom payments only embolden terrorist groups to continue their operations.
“Sad truth; the government will pay again, as they’ve shown no capacity to stop a recurrence after the ransom was paid for a previous mass kidnapping. They will get more weapons, kidna@p more people & get more ransom. The government has failed in its chief duty of securing lives.”
Another, @Atepath35, alleged complicity and lack of accountability, claiming that violent actors operate freely without consequences, while authorities downplay the severity of the threat.
“Boko Haram and Fulani terrorists are the same. They’re both working for the corrupt Nigerian government! Terrorists kill and kidnap for fun in Nigeria with no consequences.
“The Nigerian government claimed that these killers are mere disgruntled youths. not terrorists.”
@HearldofHeaven lamented the state of governance, pointing to systemic issues such as corruption and poor leadership as root causes of insecurity, while questioning who would take responsibility.
“Yet, this government is busy campaigning for another term in office… Nigeria has more geniuses than any other country in the world. We have an abundance of natural resources. The bane is, we have lootocracy, kakistocracy & kleptocracy instead of Democracy.
Who will bell the cat?”
Similarly, @emmylly207 suggested that ordinary citizens are bearing the consequences of a “failed system,” calling for accountability from those in power.
“They are talking to their business partners who understand them. It’s just unfortunate that the citizens are the ones paying for this failed business.
“The government must be held accountable for the killing of innocent citizens.”
Meanwhile, @starboy141 expressed emotional distress over the fate of the victims, urging urgent action to prevent loss of innocent lives.
“416 innocent women and children in the hands of terrorists… and we’re still arguing about politics? My heart is shattered. Nigeria, we have failed our own! Who is going to rescue them before the 72 hours run out?!”
Many reactions also drew comparisons to the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping, which drew global attention but remains a painful symbol of Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.
Local advocacy groups are now calling for swift and strategic intervention to secure the safe return of the abductees, as the clock ticks on the terrorist group’s ultimatum.
