The Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State chapter, has called on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue 78 schoolchildren and others who have remained in captivity for more than 100 days.
The state CAN Chairman, John Bakeni, made the appeal on Sunday during a prayer session held in Maiduguri as part of activities marking the association’s 50th anniversary.
Bakeni said the security situation in the state had made the celebration a sober one, noting that many residents were struggling with insecurity and economic hardship.
He said, “How do you celebrate when your children are in captivity, when your brothers and sisters are in captivity, when so many communities are being attacked and challenged by insecurity, and when economic hardship is biting hard?”
The CAN chairman said the association would continue to pray for the safe return of those in captivity despite the challenges confronting the state.
He added, “There is a cloud of uncertainty, hardship and insecurity that hovers over us. But as people of faith, we always give God thanks even in the midst of challenges. We believe that God will answer our prayers.”
Bakeni said CAN had also engaged government officials at both the state and federal levels through advocacy, urging them to take decisive steps towards securing the release of the victims.
He said, “These kids have spent over 100 days in captivity. You can imagine what their parents are going through—the pain, agony, trauma.”
He appealed to the government and security agencies to treat the rescue of the abducted children as an urgent responsibility.
Bakeni said, “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.”
He added that the prolonged captivity of the victims was unacceptable and required immediate action.
According to reports, 42 students and pupils were abducted on May 16 after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area.
Another 36 students and a teacher were reportedly abducted on June 29 when suspected Boko Haram terrorists invaded Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, also in Askira/Uba.
The two incidents bring the number of schoolchildren reported missing to 78.
