The Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State chapter, has called for the urgent rescue of 78 schoolchildren and others who have spent more than 100 days in captivity across the state, the association said after a thanksgiving and prayer event in Maiduguri.
The CAN state chairman, John Bakeni, made the appeal on Sunday during a prayer session organised to mark the association’s 50th anniversary in Maiduguri. He described the celebrations at the state level as a “sober” observance because of the abductions and persistent insecurity, and said many residents were also facing economic hardship.
Details of the abductions
Two attacks in Askira/Uba Local Government Area account for the 78 missing pupils and students. On May 16, suspected Boko Haram terrorists abducted 42 pupils and students from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School. On June 29, suspected Boko Haram terrorists invaded Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, and abducted 36 students and one teacher. The two incidents add up to 78 people reported missing, according to local reports.
Calls to authorities
Bakeni said CAN was using advocacy to keep the plight of the victims before leaders at state and national levels and urged action from government and security agencies. “These kids have spent over 100 days in captivity. You can imagine what their parents are going through, the pain, agony, trauma,” he said. The quote was reported by local news outlets.
He appealed directly to officials to intensify efforts to secure the release of those held. “We are using this medium to call on the government, both at the national and state levels, all security agencies, and all those involved in the task of liberating our children to do whatever they can. It is a responsibility that rests on their shoulders,” Bakeni said.
Prayer and continuing advocacy
Bakeni said CAN would continue to pray for peace and for the safe return of the captives, while maintaining advocacy to remind leaders of the victims’ situation. He asked Nigerians to imagine the suffering of parents whose children remain held and urged both prayer and pressure on authorities to act.
The statements and the recounting of the two school attacks were reported by multiple local outlets covering the CAN event and its appeal. Links to original coverage are provided by local news organisations.
Featured image: Ifeatu Nnaobi via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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