CAN urges urgent rescue of 78 abducted schoolchildren in Borno

CAN calls for immediate rescue of 78 abducted schoolchildren in Borno

The Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State chapter, said during a prayer event in Maiduguri that 78 schoolchildren and others have been held in captivity for more than 100 days and appealed for their immediate rescue.

John Bakeni, the state CAN chairman, said in reported remarks to media that he made the call on Sunday at a prayer session organised to mark the association’s 50th anniversary in the state capital. He described the celebrations at state level as a “sober” occasion because residents are contending with insecurity and economic hardship (Punch, Daily Post).

Bakeni said CAN had used the prayer meeting to appeal for divine intervention and to press authorities to act. He was quoted as saying, “These kids have spent over 100 days in captivity. You can imagine what their parents are going through, the pain, agony, trauma” (Punch).

The CAN chairman told attendees the association would continue advocacy to keep the plight of the victims in the public eye. He called on the Federal Government, the Borno State Government, security agencies and other stakeholders to step up efforts to secure the release of those held, saying the rescue is “long overdue” (Daily Post, Punch).

Bakeni added that members used the occasion to pray for the return of peace and for the forthcoming election (Punch).

Reports recalled two school attacks in Askira/Uba Local Government Area that account for the 78 missing pupils. On May 16, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School and abducted 42 students and pupils. On June 29, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, and abducted 36 students and one teacher. Taken together, the two attacks put the number of missing children at 78 (Punch, Daily Post).

CAN said it would continue prayers and advocacy while calling on authorities to take responsibility for securing the victims’ release (Punch).

Featured image: Ifeatu Nnaobi via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.