The Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has denied allegations that he acted as an intermediary between kidnappers and the government or private individuals, insisting he has never participated in ransom negotiations.
Ndume was reacting to claims by the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, linking him to the handling of an alleged ransom demand following the abduction of residents of Ngoshe in Borno State.
The lawmaker said his only role was to alert security agencies after Kaigama informed him of a video purportedly issued by Boko Haram/ISWAP demanding a N5 billion ransom for the release of abductees.
According to him, he immediately contacted the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services and the military, sharing Kaigama’s contact details with them while declining any involvement in ransom discussions.
Ndume reiterated his opposition to negotiating with or paying ransom to terrorists, maintaining that he had consistently advocated stronger security measures to rescue victims and protect communities.
He called on security agencies to investigate the allegations, describing the matter as one of national security rather than a personal dispute.
The senator also alleged that he severed ties with Kaigama after learning that he had asked families of abductees to pay money into a bank account, an allegation Kaigama has yet to respond to.
Ndume further dismissed claims that Boko Haram and ISWAP had observed a ceasefire, citing recent attacks in parts of Borno State.
