Parents and community members from Mussa and Lassa in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State have expressed frustration over the government's inaction in rescuing their abducted children. The children have been in captivity for over 130 days. A total of 80 children were seized during a wave of abductions that began on May 15, 2026, with 44 from Mussa Ward and 36 from Lassa schools.
The chairman of the parents, Ishaku Suya, has issued a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that they will storm the Presidential Villa in Abuja if their children are not rescued. Suya drew a comparison with the recent rescue of abducted children in Oyo State, questioning why similar urgency has not been shown in Borno. He emphasized the need for immediate action, saying the parents will not back down.
A grieving mother, Josphin Yohanna, lamented the alleged disparity in the government's response to the abduction of school children in different regions. She cited the swift rescue of abducted children in Oyo State as proof that the Federal Government has the operational capacity to act decisively. Yohanna questioned why similar urgency has not been extended to the children in Borno State.
Midala Usman Balami, the House of Representatives member representing Askira/Uba and Hawul Federal Constituency, has condemned the prolonged silence and lack of concrete action. He noted that the victims have suffered for more than four months and revealed that he had already moved a motion regarding the tragedy in the National Assembly.
Balami urged both the Federal and Borno State governments to deploy all available security resources to rescue the children. He emphasized that the situation concerns the lives of innocent citizens who have suffered immensely in the region. Other parents also expressed their frustration, stating that they were treated like foreigners in their own country for being law-abiding.
The parents have given the government six days to rescue their children, threatening to take further action if their demands are not met. As of press time, the Presidency has yet to issue an official response to the ultimatum. The situation remains tense, with the parents determined to seek help for their children.
The abduction of the children has raised concerns about the security situation in Borno State and the government's response to such incidents. The incident has also highlighted the need for improved security measures to prevent such abductions in the future. The government's response to the situation will be closely watched.
Key points
- Parents of abducted children in Borno State threaten to protest at the Presidential Villa if their children are not rescued within six days.
- The abduction of 80 children occurred on May 15, 2026, and they have been in captivity for over 130 days.
- The parents are questioning the disparity in the government's response to the abduction of school children in different regions.
