Ali Ndume, the senator for Borno South, has described how Samaila Kaigame, who leads the Borno South Youth Alliance, allegedly attempted to involve him in paying ransom for kidnapped individuals. Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Ndume stated that Kaigame persistently contacted him, asserting that a terrorist faction was demanding N5 billion to free hostages.
The lawmaker noted that Kaigame pressured him to contribute financially, a request Ndume refused because he maintains a firm stance against paying ransoms or negotiating with groups like Boko Haram. Instead of providing funds, Ndume redirected the individual to security agencies and government officials. He grew suspicious of the situation, noting inconsistencies in Kaigame’s claims about having direct communication with the terrorists.
Ndume expressed his belief that these tactics might be politically motivated. He recalled being unfairly linked to militants in 2011 simply for answering a phone call from an alleged group member. He emphasized that he cannot confirm if any ransom was eventually paid by others, but he reiterated his total opposition to such practices.
