Suspected Boko Haram fighters have abducted 12 women in the Mussa district of Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, Hobnob News has gathered.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped around 5 p.m. on Saturday while returning from their farmlands.
In a separate incident barely 24 hours later, the insurgents launched a violent overnight assault in Magumeri Local Government Area, burning residential homes, vehicles, and shops during a raid that lasted more than two hours.
Confirming the abduction of the women farmers on Sunday, the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, said an investigation had commenced.
“There was an abduction yesterday in Askira-Uba. Twelve females were taken by suspected Boko Haram terrorists while returning from the farm,” he said, assuring residents that security agencies were working to restore calm.
A resident who spoke with Hobnob News on condition of anonymity said the women were declared missing when they failed to return home at the expected time.
“We immediately informed our representatives, traditional leaders, and security agencies,” he added.
Homes, Vehicles Torched in Magumeri Attack
In another attack early Sunday morning, suspected Boko Haram members invaded Magumeri around 1:15 a.m., arriving on motorcycles and firing sporadically before setting homes, vehicles, and shops ablaze.
ASP Daso confirmed to Hobnob News that although property was destroyed, there were no casualties.
“Unknown gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram invaded Magumeri, burning houses and vehicles. No life was lost. Normalcy has been restored following joint efforts of security agencies,” he stated.
The Executive Chairman of Magumeri, Abubakar Abdulkadir Yaro, also confirmed that local security operatives repelled the attackers after intense engagement.
He said the terrorists fled around 3 a.m. after being overwhelmed by troops, Civilian JTF members, hunters, and community volunteers.
Ibrahim Hassan, a resident, described the incident as “a coordinated and planned assault,” noting that many were asleep when the attackers stormed the area.
Zulum Declares State-Wide Fasting and Prayers
In response to the escalating attacks, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum announced a state-wide day of fasting and prayers on Monday, November 24.
In a statewide broadcast, he urged all residents—regardless of faith—to participate, describing prayers as a crucial aspect of the state’s security strategy.
“Despite recent sporadic attacks, Borno has enjoyed a level of stability. However, the situation remains a matter of grave concern. Our security strategy must be underpinned by prayers,” Zulum said.
He commended residents for their resilience, while reaffirming support for security forces tackling insurgency.
Northern Leaders Call for Unity on Security
Meanwhile, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has expressed optimism that insecurity in northern Nigeria can be overcome through coordinated political will and stronger institutional collaboration.
Speaking at the 25th Anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum in Kaduna, Barau insisted that the North possesses the capacity and resources to overcome its security challenges.
“The problems confronting the North are surmountable. What is required is unity, collaboration, and a coordinated approach,” he said.
He urged northern governors to maximize increased revenues and work closely with federal lawmakers to strengthen security initiatives.
