Boko Haram: I’m Fine, Says Abducted Monguno
Elder statesman and former Minister of Petroleum, Shettima Ali Monguno, remained in captivity yesterday, 24 hours after he was seized by four gunmen in Maiduguri, Borno State.
His abductors, believed to be members of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, were said to be awaiting ransom from the family of the 92-year-old elder statesman.
Although Shettima Monguno is reported to be ‘fine’ in captivity, his family pleaded last night that he should be allowed access to his drugs. The kidnappers reportedly phoned the family yesterday with an assurance that “Baba is safe.”
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State flew into Abuja on Friday evening to brief President Goodluck Jonathan and Borno stakeholders in Abuja on the situation.
There were indications that the military Joint Task Force (JTF) and other intelligence agencies have located
where Monguno is being held but most stakeholders, including the state government, prefer dialogue with the gunmen to military action. A highly-placed source said: “They have not released the elder statesman; they said they are awaiting ransom.
What has made the situation dicey borders on the fact that they have not named their price. Their silence has created anxiety for everybody. But they put a call to the family saying ‘Baba is safe.’ “Following an appeal from Governor Shettima, some eminent clerics and leaders with link to Boko Haram have been intervening to secure the release of Monguno.” The abduction of Monguno has created worries for the state governor.
“The governor is concerned that given his age, Monguno eats less and takes some food supplement to make up for his body functioning. “The governor appeals to his captors to consider the health conditions applicable to his age and release him to reunite with his family. Family members are said to have the same fears expressed by Governor Shettima.”
It is said that the old man takes different drugs seven times daily based on physician’s prescription. A government source said that Monguno spoke with his family members by phone. He was said to be psychologically stable and appealed for calm and prayers.
He was quoted as saying “Don’t get worried please. I am fine, just be reciting lahaula wa la quwata illa billah, (Allah is in control). Nothing to worry about, I am fine.”
