Families of 13 travellers abducted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents along the Biu–Damaturu highway in Borno State have appealed to the Federal Government, the Borno State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.

The travellers, including women and a seven-month-old baby, were reportedly kidnapped on April 15, 2026, when armed men intercepted two Golf Wagon vehicles conveying passengers through the Kamuya axis of the highway and took them to an unknown destination.

In a statement issued on Wednesday on behalf of the affected families, Mallam Hassan Yati said relatives of the victims have remained in anguish since the incident, with little information available regarding their whereabouts or condition.

According to him, the abduction has left families devastated, particularly because women and children were among those taken.

Yati described the situation as emotionally distressing, noting that affected families have continued to endure uncertainty and sleepless nights while awaiting news of their loved ones.

“The families are calling on government authorities, security agencies, humanitarian organisations and all relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene and ensure the safe rescue of the abducted travellers,” he said.

He added that each passing day deepens the pain and anxiety of relatives whose greatest hope is the safe return of the victims.

The families also appealed to Nigerians to remember the abducted travellers in their prayers and support efforts aimed at improving security along major highways in the North-East region.

Meanwhile, residents have raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Buni Gari–Kamuya–Buratai–Biu road, a key route connecting Southern Borno with Maiduguri and neighbouring states.

According to residents, the poor state of the road has contributed to security challenges in the area, with armed groups allegedly taking advantage of the difficult terrain to launch attacks on travellers.

They called on relevant authorities to address the condition of the road and strengthen security measures along the corridor to prevent further attacks on commuters.