A Boko Haram faction known as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad has said its 72-hour deadline for the Nigerian government has passed, sparking renewed fears for the safety of abducted civilians in Borno State.
The group said it was ready to start executing captives after talks broke down.
A group spokesman said in a video message all talks with authorities were over.
The spokesperson insisted the group would act on its threats, saying: “The 72-hour deadline we gave you has already expired… now there is no discussion.”
The insurgent group also dismissed ransom talks, saying earlier figures were unofficial and insisting that financial offers would not affect its position.
The group warned any attempt to carry out military rescue operations would result in more civilian deaths.
It also ridiculed government attempts to address the situation, while issuing threats aimed at public figures.
The Borno South Youth Alliance, however, cautioned that the development could trigger violence against the captives, as the deadline for the ultimatum draws closer.
The group said in a statement it had exhausted all efforts to secure more time.
The group said there is growing fear that we may start to see executions.
The group said that in previous engagements it had acted as a humanitarian mediator, helping to delay harm to victims.
“Our pleas and interventions have often been the only line standing between the execution of innocent women and children and their survival,” it said.
The group accused authorities of not responding adequately despite repeated appeals to top government officials including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
It called for immediate intervention by the international community and humanitarian organisations to prevent loss of lives.
The situation has stoked fears in affected communities as security agencies are yet to give an official response at the time of filing this report.
