Borno stakeholders appeal for release of 42 abducted schoolchildren

Stakeholders from Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State have called for the release of 42 abducted schoolchildren, who have been in captivity for about three weeks.

The appeal was led by the Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Askira, during a meeting in Maiduguri on Monday.

Askira said the victims, abducted on May 16 from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School, were innocent children and should be released unconditionally.

He added that the continued detention of the children had caused distress to their families and communities, describing the situation as painful given the age of the victims.

He urged the abductors to release the pupils, stressing that they were innocent children.

“These are children, not soldiers or politicians. They are the future of Borno and Nigeria. We appeal for their unconditional release,” he said.

He further stated that community leaders had remained patient, trusting that security agencies were working to secure their release, but said concern had increased due to the prolonged captivity.

He also called for improved security in Askira/Uba, noting its proximity to the Sambisa Forest and the need for stronger protection of schools and communities.

The 42 pupils were abducted on May 16 when suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba LGA.

The abduction has heightened concerns over renewed attacks on schools in parts of Borno State despite ongoing counter-insurgency operations.