Borno CAN calls for rescue of 78 schoolchildren held captive

The Christian Association of Nigeria’s Borno chapter has called for the urgent rescue of 78 schoolchildren and other people it says have been held captive for more than 100 days in the state. The appeal was made on Sunday by the state CAN chairman, Most Reverend John Bakeni, during a prayer session in Maiduguri to mark the association’s 50th anniversary. Bakeni said the celebration was subdued because children and other residents remained in captivity, communities faced attacks and many people were struggling with economic hardship.

He said the association would continue praying and advocating for the victims. He urged the government, security agencies and other authorities involved in the effort to do everything possible to secure the release of those being held. Bakeni said the length of the captivity had caused severe pain, trauma and uncertainty for the victims and their families.

According to the account cited by CAN, 42 students and pupils were abducted on May 16 after suspected Boko Haram attackers invaded Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area. A second attack on June 29 at Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, also in Askira/Uba, reportedly led to the abduction of 36 students and one teacher. The two incidents account for the 78 missing children cited by the association.

Bakeni said CAN had contacted national and state leaders as part of its advocacy and would continue pressing authorities to act while praying for peace and the victims’ release.