Ndume denies ransom intermediary role

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Nigeria — Borno South, has denied allegations that he acted as an intermediary between kidnappers and the government or private individuals in ransom negotiations for the release of abducted residents of Ngoshe, Nigeria — Borno State. The allegations were made by Samaila Kaigama, President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, who accused Ndume of involvement in handling an alleged ransom. Ndume stated that his only role was to alert security agencies after Kaigama contacted him about a video from Boko Haram/ISWAP demanding a N5 billion ransom for 416 abducted residents. Ndume reiterated his opposition to negotiating with terrorists and called for an investigation, alleging that Kaigama extorted money from families of the abductees. He also dismissed claims of a ceasefire by Boko Haram/ISWAP, citing a recent attack in Nigeria — Monguno Local Government Area.