Six Chadian nationals have been kidnapped in the Lake Chad region by the jihadist group Boko Haram, which claims to be holding them and has released videos, widely shared online, showing the execution of one of the hostages, raising fears of a further escalation of violence.
In another video, one of the captives, identifying himself as a doctor, makes an urgent appeal to the Chadian authorities.
He states that his captors are demanding a ransom of 500 million CFA francs for his release and that of the other hostages.
Visibly under duress, he implores the president and the government to intervene quickly to secure their release.
Speaking in turn, a member of the armed group threatens further action if the ransom is not paid, demanding that the sum be paid “as soon as possible.”
These methods are part of a well-known Boko Haram strategy, which uses kidnappings, executions and video propaganda to exert psychological pressure on authorities and the population.
This kidnapping comes amid an already fragile security situation around Lake Chad, a region regularly targeted by jihadist attacks.
It occurred just hours after Chadian President General Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s visit to Nigeria where regional cooperation against terrorism was a central topic of discussion.
So far, the authorities in Ndjamena have not officially reacted to these events.
This lack of communication is fuelling concerns about the fate of the hostages as the region remains under the persistent threat of armed groups active around the Lake Chad Basin.
CA/te/Sf/fss/jn/APA