NEWS XTRA
BORNO GOVERNMENT GIVES N8 MILLION AND FOOD AID TO FREED BOKO HARAM CAPTIVES
The Borno State Government has provided financial assistance and food supplies to hundreds of residents recently freed from Boko Haram captivity, offering much-needed support as they begin rebuilding their lives.
The Chairman of Gwoza Local Government Area, Abba Timta, confirmed that the state government donated ₦8 million and several relief materials for distribution among the released victims.
The beneficiaries are part of the 360 captives who regained their freedom after being abducted during a terrorist attack on Ngoshe community in March 2026. Most of the victims were women and children who spent months in captivity before their release.
Speaking to the survivors during a gathering in Pulka, Timta explained that each victim would receive ₦21,000 from the funds provided by the state government. Food items, including rice, corn, sugar, and mats, were also distributed to support the victims and their families.
While acknowledging that the food supplies might not be enough for everyone to receive a full bag of rice or corn, he encouraged the beneficiaries to share resources among themselves and support one another.
“We are doing our best to ensure everyone gets something. If more support comes, it will also be distributed fairly,” he assured.
The chairman also urged the victims to remain hopeful and pray for lasting peace so they can safely return to their communities and farming activities without depending entirely on government assistance.
Meanwhile, some victims who were abducted from Askira-Uba Local Government Area and released alongside the Ngoshe residents have already been reunited with their communities.
Earlier, Governor Babagana Zulum visited the freed captives and announced that the government had released funds to rehabilitate the Ngoshe community. According to the governor, efforts are ongoing to restore damaged infrastructure and create conditions that will allow displaced residents to return home safely.
He also assured the victims that the state government is working closely with security agencies and the military to guarantee a safe and dignified return for those willing to resettle in their communities.
The support package represents another step in helping survivors recover from the trauma of captivity while rebuilding their lives and communities after years of insecurity in the region.
"This represents a significant development in our ongoing coverage of current events."— Editorial Board