A former Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, Mr. Hassan Biu Miringa, has made a public appeal to political and community leaders in Borno State for assistance, revealing that he and another person remain held captive by insurgents who abducted them in December 2025.

Speaking from captivity, Miringa identified the abductors as members of the Khilafa group and disclosed that they are demanding a ransom of $300,000 for their release.

“My name is Hassan Biu Miringa. I served as Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022.

“We were abducted by soldiers of Khilafa about 14 days ago, and we are still held in their custody.

“Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we need help to save our lives,” Miringa said.

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He added that efforts at dialogue with the abductors have been ongoing and that some understanding had been reached through multiple discussions.

“We have spoken with them on four different occasions and reached an agreement.

“We are appealing to our leaders—especially the Borno Deputy Governor, Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur; Hon. Betera Aliyu, Member representing Biu, Kwaya, and Shani in the National Assembly; our leader Dr. Sule Ali Rimi; our elder brother Hon. Yakubu Kimba; and Alhaji Musa Dogo Biu—to temper justice with mercy and come to our aid.

“We are their children, and we have always worked together,” he said.

Miringa disclosed that the ransom demand for both captives is $300,000, with each expected to pay $150,000, and urged urgent intervention to save their lives.

“We hope that our cries will be heard and that help will come, so we can be reunited with our families and loved ones.

“May Allah help us and grant lasting peace,” he added.

The appeal highlights growing concerns over abductions and the worsening insecurity in parts of southern Borno State.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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