Nigeria’s Boko Haram crisis: Dozens of women feared abducted in Gamboru Ngala

BBC News:

Dozens of displaced people are feared to have been abducted by Boko Haram jihadists in north-eastern Nigeria.

The victims were mostly women who lived in a camp in Gamboru Ngala town after fleeing their homes because of attacks by the insurgents, locals said.

The abductions occurred when the group went to collect firewood to cook or sell, they added.

The United Nations condemned the reported kidnappings and called of for the unconditional release of abductees.

Mohamed Malick Fall, the UN’s Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, said that while the exact number is unknown it is estimated more than 200 people were abducted.

He said in a statement on Wednesday that the incident was “a stark reminder that women and girls are among those most affected” by the Islamist insurgency in north-east Nigeria.

While sympathising with the families of the victims, Mr Fall urged authorities to provide more livelihood opportunities for displaced persons in camps to reduce the risks they face.