Borno Stakeholders Beg Abductors To Free 42 Schoolchildren

Stakeholders from Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State have appealed to the abductors of 42 schoolchildren to release them unconditionally.

Naija News reports that the stakeholders said the victims were innocent children who should not be subjected to the trauma of captivity.

Led by the Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Askira, the stakeholders made the appeal in Maiduguri on Monday.

They expressed concern over the continued detention of the pupils and students, who have reportedly spent three weeks in captivity.

Askira said the abduction had thrown families and communities into deep anxiety and emotional distress.

He described the three-week ordeal as agonising, particularly because of the young age of the victims.

Askira stated, “We passionately appeal to the conscience of those behind this heinous act: these are children, not soldiers or politicians. They are the future of Borno and Nigeria.

“We urge you to fear Almighty God and release them unconditionally. Children must never be used as bargaining chips.”

The lawmaker said community leaders had remained calm since the abduction because they believed the government and security agencies were working to rescue the children.

Askira said, “As stakeholders, we have remained patient and silent for these past three weeks, firmly believing that the government and our gallant security forces were doing everything within their power to secure the swift rescue of our children.

“However, that patience has now given way to deep anxiety and worry.”

Tinubu, Zulum Commended

Askira commended President Bola Tinubu and Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, for their efforts to restore peace and tackle insecurity in the state.

He further stated, “We wish to commend the untiring efforts of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his sustained commitment to restoring peace across the nation.

“We also commend Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his immediate visit to Askira/Uba to sympathise with the families of the victims and reassure them of government’s support.”

The stakeholders called for stronger security measures in Askira/Uba, citing the area’s proximity to the Sambisa Forest, which has long been linked to insurgent activity.

Askira said the location of the council made its communities vulnerable to attacks.

He added, “Furthermore, we must address the urgent need for a more robust security presence. Askira/Uba Local Government shares immediate borders with the fringes of the Sambisa Forest, making our communities uniquely vulnerable.

“Given this precarious geography, we request the immediate establishment of a permanent and fortified security architecture, including strengthened school security, rapid-response units, forward operating bases and sustained patrols to provide the protection our people desperately need.”

The 42 pupils and students were abducted on May 16 after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area.