Boko Haram Members Abduct 10 University Of Maiduguri Oil Exploration Workers In Borno

Suspected Boko Haram members have abducted 10 members of the survey and geological department of the University of Maiduguri in Borno state. They were abducted yesterday July 25th. NNPC contracted the team to carry out research work on oil exploration activities taking place in the Lake Chad basin. The oil exploration workers who were in company of NNPC officials were on their way to Maiduguri when they were ambushed and kidnapped around Jibi village after a gun battle with security agents attached to the oil workers and the sect members. Some members of the team who were not kidnapped but sustained serious injuries are currently being treated at the Borno state Specialist Hospital.

Confirming the abduction, the University of Maiduguri spokesman Danjuma Gambo said the military is yet to inform them of the kidnap of their staff.

“There is no denying the fact that this incident happened, involving our staff, NNPC workers and security escorts from the military and the (civilian militia). Our staff who were recruited as consultants were on the team that was ambushed. It was clear Boko Haram studied their movements before attacking them,” he told AFP

President Buhari last year issued a directive to NNPC to resume the exploration of oil in the Lake Chad Basin and River Kolnami.