The Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State Chapter, has called on the Federal Government to urgently rescue 78 schoolchildren abducted in Borno State. The children were taken from their schools in Mussa and Lassa in Askira-Uba local government area, with the most recent abduction occurring on June 29, 2026. Despite pleas from parents and family members, the children have remained in captivity for over 100 days.
The state CAN Chairman, Most Reverend John Bakeni, made the appeal at a prayer session organised to mark ‘CAN at 50′ in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. He described the celebration as "sober" due to the ongoing insecurity and economic hardship in the state. Many residents are struggling to cope with the dual challenges, and Bakeni emphasised the need for swift action to address the situation.
Bakeni, who is the Auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri Catholic Diocese, noted that the spate of abductions in the state necessitated a sombre celebration. He stressed that the association would continue to intensify prayers for peace to return, despite the challenges. The CAN Chairman also acknowledged the efforts of leaders at the national and state levels to address the issue.
The Christian Association of Nigeria is employing advocacy tools to reach out to relevant authorities and remind them of the victims' plight. Bakeni explained that the association has pleaded with leaders to do whatever it takes to secure the release of the abducted children. He emphasised the need for empathy, encouraging leaders to imagine how they would feel if their own children were in captivity.
The abduction of the schoolchildren has caused significant trauma and pain for their families. Bakeni urged the government to take immediate action to rescue the children, highlighting the importance of putting oneself in the shoes of the parents. The CAN Chairman also prayed for the nation, state, and victims, as well as the forthcoming election.
The prayer session was part of the activities marking CAN's 50th anniversary. Despite the challenges facing the state, Bakeni expressed gratitude to God for bringing the Christian community together under one umbrella. He acknowledged that the celebration would be a sober one, given the current circumstances.
The Borno State CAN Chairman called on the government to take concrete steps to address the insecurity and economic hardship in the state. He reiterated the association's commitment to advocating for the release of the abducted children and promoting peace in the state. The situation remains a pressing concern, with the children having spent over 100 days in captivity.
Key points
- The Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to rescue 78 schoolchildren abducted in Borno State.
- The abducted children have spent over 100 days in captivity, causing significant trauma and pain for their families.
- The Borno State CAN Chairman, Most Reverend John Bakeni, has called for swift action to address the insecurity and economic hardship in the state.
