ISWAP Kidnaps Royal Family Members In Borno
Mohammed Askira, a prince from Borno, has been kidnapped by the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP).
He was kidnapped with two brothers, all of whom are members of the Askira/Uba Emirate’s royal line.
The trio was abducted on Saturday while on their way to Maiduguri, the state capital, after attending a celebration there.
Askira is the principal settlement of Askira/Uba, a Local Government Area in Borno.
According to PRNigeria, Mohammed, 50, and his siblings are brothers of Abdullahi Mohammed Askirama II, the Emir of Askira.
ISWAP has been consolidating its influence in areas around Lake Chad since the death of JAS commander Abubakar Shekau.
Sani Shuwaram, 45, was recently appointed as the new Leader (Wali) of ISWAP in the region by ISIS.
Hundreds of Boko Haram fighters have defected to Shekau, increasing the sect’s membership.
Attacks have been planned in some Borno towns, casting doubt on the state government’s efforts to rehabilitate internally displaced people (IDPs).
