Stakeholders from Mussa Ward in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State have appealed to the Federal Government, Borno State Government, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts toward securing the safe and immediate release of 42 pupils and students abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents.
Speaking during a press conference held on Saturday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Maiduguri, the spokesperson of the stakeholders and Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Abdullahi Musa, described the incident as a tragic attack on innocent children whose only desire was to pursue education.
The students, drawn from Mussa Primary School and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba, were reportedly kidnapped on May 15, 2026.
Expressing the concerns of the stakeholders, Musa said the abduction had left families and communities devastated.
“These innocent children, whose only ‘crime’ was seeking knowledge, have been cruelly taken from their families. This act is a direct assault on our shared humanity, our faith, and the very future of education in our state and nation.”
According to him, community leaders had remained patient for the past three weeks, trusting that government authorities and security agencies were making every effort to rescue the children.
“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 is now eclipsed by deep anxiety and worry. Three weeks is an agonizingly long time for young, underaged children to be held in the wilderness, far from the warmth, protection, and comfort of their parents.”
The stakeholders commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued commitment to tackling insecurity across the country and restoring peace in troubled communities.
They also praised Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for personally visiting Askira/Uba to sympathize with the affected families shortly after the incident.
“His act of empathy and courage reflects his ‘BORNO FIRST’ leadership philosophy.”
Musa further acknowledged the sacrifices of security personnel, including the Nigerian military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and other agencies involved in the fight against insurgency.
The stakeholders equally appreciated the delegation led by the Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Wakilbe, which visited the community following Governor Zulum’s sympathy visit to the Emir of Uba and the parents of the abducted children.
While expressing gratitude for ongoing efforts, the stakeholders urged authorities to step up rescue operations.
“However, at this critical juncture, we urgently appeal to the relevant authorities to intensify all rescue operations and deploy every available intelligence, kinetic, and non-kinetic option to secure the immediate and safe release of these children.»
“Every hour in captivity is an hour too long.”
The group also called for enhanced security measures in Askira/Uba, noting that the local government area’s proximity to the Sambisa Forest makes it particularly vulnerable to attacks by insurgents.
“Given this precarious geography, we request the immediate establishment of a permanent, fortified security architecture, including strengthened school perimeters, rapid response units like forward operation base, and sustained patrols to provide the protection our people desperately need.”
Addressing the families of the abducted children, the stakeholders appealed for continued patience and restraint, assuring them that both federal and state authorities were working toward the children’s safe return.
“Do not lose hope, and do not allow this tragedy to be exploited by those who might seek to politicize the suffering of our children for personal gain.”
They also appealed directly to the abductors to release the children without conditions.
“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, now. Children must never be used as bargaining chips.”
Reaffirming their support for government efforts, the stakeholders said the people of Askira/Uba and Borno State had endured years of hardship due to insurgency and deserved lasting peace.
“Askira/Uba has suffered enough, and Borno has bled enough. Nigeria deserves peace. We stand united with the government and our security forces until the very last child is returned home to their parents,” Musa added.
