Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Musa Askira, has called for the immediate rescue of 42 schoolchildren abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of the state.
Askira made the appeal while addressing journalists in Maiduguri on Saturday on behalf of community leaders, political stakeholders and residents of Askira/Uba, nearly three weeks after the pupils were reportedly abducted.
The abducted children, said to be pupils of Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School, were allegedly taken by insurgents on May 15, 2026.
The lawmaker described the incident as a tragic attack on education and humanity, expressing concern over the continued captivity of the children and the uncertainty facing their families.
“We come before you with profound sadness and heavy hearts. These innocent children, whose only offence was seeking knowledge, have been cruelly taken away from their families,” he said.
According to him, community leaders initially refrained from making public comments, trusting that security agencies were working to secure the children’s release.
However, he noted that the prolonged captivity of the pupils had heightened anxiety among parents and residents.
“Three weeks is an agonisingly long time for young children to remain in captivity, far from the protection and comfort of their families,” Askira added.
The Deputy Speaker commended President Bola Tinubu and Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for their response to the incident, particularly Governor Zulum’s visit to sympathise with affected families shortly after the abduction.
He also praised the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services, DSS, the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, and other security agencies involved in counterinsurgency operations across the state.
Askira, however, urged authorities to intensify efforts towards securing the release of the children.
“We appeal to all relevant authorities to deploy every available intelligence, kinetic and non-kinetic strategy necessary to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of these children. Every moment they remain in captivity is one too many,” he said.
The stakeholders also called for stronger security measures in Askira/Uba, citing the area’s proximity to the Sambisa Forest and its vulnerability to insurgent attacks.
They advocated the establishment of additional security formations, rapid response units, strengthened school protection measures and sustained military patrols to safeguard communities and educational institutions.
The Deputy Speaker urged families of the abducted children to remain hopeful, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to secure their safe return.
“These are children, not combatants. They are not soldiers or politicians. They are the future of Borno and Nigeria. We call on those holding them captive to fear Almighty God and release them unconditionally,” he said.
