Thirteen female farmers were abducted in a dramatic raid carried out by suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. The women, who are all residents of Huyim District, were seized on Saturday as they travelled to nearby Mussa District to harvest farm produce, according to reliable sources and local officials.
Confirming the incident, Hon. Abdullahi Askira, the Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, stated: “Thirteen young women, all from Askira-Uba, were abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists while going to harvest crops.” Askira called on security agencies to intensify efforts at rescuing the victims and restoring safety to affected farming communities, adding, “We are asking the military and all security operatives to do their utmost. Their families are in despair, and the community is terrified.”
Local accounts allege that the women were caught off-guard and that the gunmen appeared to be laying in wait. Eyewitnesses reported, “It happened quickly—before anyone could run, they had already taken them.” The incident has heightened fears among rural residents, who rely on farming for survival but now face escalating risks from insurgents.
Security analysts warn that Saturday’s abduction is part of an intensifying wave of attacks targeting civilians, especially women and farmers, in Borno and other North-East states. The region has endured repeated kidnappings, displacement, and economic hardship due to militant operations. Many community members have been forced to flee rather than risk venturing to their farms.
Therefore, Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, has declared Monday, November 24th, 2025, as a statewide day of fasting and prayer for peace in the state and Nigeria, following renewed security concerns across the country. He directs all people of faith regardless of religion to fast and pray for peace over incessant security.
He addressed residents on the need for unity, vigilance, and spiritual intervention amid recent attacks.
He noted that Borno had endured 15 years of Boko Haram insurgency, which displaced millions and disrupted livelihoods across all 27 local government areas.
He added that unity and support for security forces helped the state overcome its darkest years.
Zulum stated, “The relative peace attained in the state has contributed to a promising harvest for this year’s farming season. Farmers have been able to cultivate their crops that is expected to sustain them for the next one to two years,” adding that, “I also urge the people to use this period to pray for divine protection against evildoers, saboteurs, and all enemies of peace.”
Authorities have launched a search-and-rescue operation, but families and survivors are urging for immediate action before the victims’ fates become another tragic statistic of insecurity in Nigeria. As the situation develops, civil society organizations and public figures are calling for robust security reforms and more effective counter-terrorism measures to end the ongoing abductions.
