The President of the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), Samaila Ibrahim Kaigam, has attributed the abduction of over 50 students from Mussa Askira School in Uba Local Government Area, Borno State, to a revenge attack by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). According to Kaigam, the kidnapping was a direct response to a previous assault by a rival Boko Haram faction, Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (JAS).
Kaigam revealed that a fierce clash had occurred between JAS and ISWAP fighters, during which JAS militants overran several ISWAP camps in southern Borno. After JAS withdrew from the area, ISWAP members launched a retaliatory operation but, failing to locate their adversaries, instead targeted the school and took children hostage. The BOSYA leader stated that discussions with JAS leaders confirmed they were not involved in the abduction, pointing fingers at ISWAP.
The abduction, he emphasized, was not premeditated but occurred when ISWAP fighters, unable to engage their rivals, turned to the community. Negotiations are underway for the release of some captives, including women and children, with the insurgents requesting a list of potential releases. Efforts are also being made to contact ISWAP-linked individuals to verify the condition of the abducted pupils. Kaigam expressed concerns that ISWAP may not publicly acknowledge the act or seek ransom, highlighting the unpredictability of the group.