The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts to secure the release of about 80 schoolchildren and teachers reportedly held captive by terrorists in Borno State.
The association warned that the prolonged captivity of the victims must remain a national priority, urging the Federal Government to strengthen coordination among security agencies and pursue measures that can bring the captives home safely.
In a statement, HURIWA National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko said the President had both a constitutional and moral responsibility to provide leadership in efforts to rescue the victims. He also called for decisive action and effective cooperation among the relevant security agencies.
According to the association, the children and teachers were abducted in separate incidents between May and June 2026 and had spent nearly six months in captivity. The reported attacks occurred in Mussa and Lassa communities in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Reports cited in the statement indicated that between 40 and 44 children were taken during the first attack. In the second incident, 36 pupils and a teacher were reportedly abducted, bringing the number of victims across the two incidents to approximately 80.
HURIWA said the continued captivity had placed affected families under severe emotional strain. It noted that some relatives had questioned why their children remained in captivity while pupils abducted in a separate incident in Oyo State were released after 57 days.
The association’s comparison reflects the concerns expressed by families over the length of time the Borno victims have remained missing. HURIWA called on the authorities to address those concerns by providing credible updates about rescue efforts, while avoiding disclosures that could compromise security operations.
It also urged the government to ensure that any rescue mission is lawful and guided by intelligence, with the safety of the captives treated as a central consideration. The association warned against actions that could expose the victims to additional danger.
Beyond the immediate rescue operation, HURIWA called for a comprehensive review of the Safe School Initiative, introduced following the 2014 abduction of schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State.
The group said renewed attention should be given to implementation, intelligence gathering, coordination between security agencies and accountability where security failures occur.
The call comes amid persistent concerns about the vulnerability of schools and communities in areas affected by insecurity. For HURIWA, the immediate priority remains securing the release of the abducted children and teachers, while addressing the weaknesses that leave educational institutions exposed to attacks.
