The Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State Chapter, has urged the government and security agencies to take immediate action to rescue 78 schoolchildren and others who have been in captivity for over 100 days. The call was made by the state CAN Chairman, Most Reverend John Bakeni, at a prayer session organised to mark 'CAN at 50' in Maiduguri, the state capital. The event was a sober celebration due to the ongoing insecurity and economic hardship in the state.
According to Bakeni, the spate of abductions in Borno State necessitated a low-key celebration, with many residents caught between economic hardship and insecurity. He noted that despite the challenges, the association and its members would not be discouraged and would continue to intensify prayers for peace to return. The CAN chairman also assured that they would employ advocacy to reach out to concerned authorities to remind them of the plight of the victims.
The abduction of the schoolchildren occurred in two separate incidents. On May 16, 42 students and pupils were abducted after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area. On June 29, suspected Boko Haram terrorists invaded Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, also in Askira/Uba LGA, abducting 36 students and one teacher. The two abductions bring the total number of missing children to 78.
Bakeni called on the government and security agencies to intensify action towards the immediate rescue of all victims in captivity. He appealed to leaders at the national and state levels to do whatever it takes to set the captives free. The CAN chairman also urged parents of the abducted children to remain hopeful, assuring them that they would continue to pray for their safe return.
The Christian Association of Nigeria is employing advocacy as an instrument to reach out to concerned authorities, reminding them of the plight of the victims. Bakeni noted that the association has reached out to leaders at the national and state levels to take action to rescue the captives. He also called on the government to take responsibility for liberating the children, saying it is long overdue.
Despite the challenges, Bakeni expressed hope that God would answer their prayers. He stated that as people of faith, they always give thanks to God, even in the midst of challenges. The CAN chairman also noted that the association prayed for the nation, the state, and the brothers and sisters who are in captivity, as well as the forthcoming election.
The Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State Chapter, has reiterated its commitment to praying for the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren and others in captivity. The association has called on the government and security agencies to take immediate action to rescue the victims, who have spent over 100 days in captivity.
Key points
- 78 schoolchildren have been abducted in Borno State.
- The abductions occurred in two separate incidents in May and June.
- The Christian Association of Nigeria is calling for the urgent rescue of the victims.
