The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State Chapter, has appealed to security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of 78 schoolchildren abducted by insurgents in separate attacks on schools in the state.
The appeal was made by the Borno State CAN Chairman, Most Reverend John Bakeni, during a prayer session held in Maiduguri to commemorate the association’s 50th anniversary.
Bakeni described the occasion as a “sober celebration,” noting that insecurity and economic hardship have continued to weigh heavily on residents across the state.
According to him, it is difficult to celebrate while many families remain uncertain about the fate of loved ones still being held captive by armed groups.
He said the association dedicated the event to prayers for peace, national unity and the safe return of victims of abduction.
Bakeni explained that beyond prayers, CAN has continued to engage relevant authorities through advocacy, urging them to prioritise the rescue of those in captivity.
He expressed concern over the prolonged detention of the abducted children, noting that some of them have spent more than 100 days in captivity.
The cleric said the psychological and emotional impact on both the victims and their families cannot be ignored, calling for urgent action to bring an end to their ordeal.
He urged federal and state governments, security agencies and all stakeholders involved in counter-insurgency operations to redouble efforts toward securing the victims’ freedom.
The latest appeal follows two major abductions in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
On May 16, suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School, abducting 42 students and pupils. Another attack on June 29 at Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, reportedly led to the abduction of 36 students and a teacher.
The two incidents brought the total number of schoolchildren currently missing in the area to 78.
