BORNO FAMILIES DEMAND RESCUE OF ABDUCTED SCHOOLCHILDREN AFTER 100 DAYS
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Families of abducted schoolchildren and other victims in Borno State have appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum to intensify efforts to secure their immediate and safe release after 100 days in captivity.
The appeal was made in Abuja by the Secretary of the Hawul/Askira-Uba Elders Forum, Malla Gadzama, who said the prolonged captivity had caused severe emotional distress for the affected families.
Gadzama urged the Federal Government to deploy available security and intelligence resources to rescue the victims. He also called on Governor Zulum to strengthen coordination with federal authorities and security agencies to explore all possible means of securing their release.
He commended the government and security agencies for rescuing abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, urging authorities to adopt a similar intelligence-led approach in Borno.
The member representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Midala Balami, also appealed for urgent action, saying the abductions had caused serious psychological and emotional hardship among families and residents.
Forty-two pupils and students of Mussa Primary and Junior Day Secondary School in Askira-Uba were reportedly abducted in May, while 36 students of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, were taken on June 29 while writing their NECO examinations. Another 38 people were also reportedly abducted along the Buratai-Maiduguri road.
The families urged the government to intensify efforts until all the victims are safely reunited with their loved ones.