Monday, September 28, 2026 - The Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State chapter, has called for the urgent rescue of 78 abducted schoolchildren and others who have spent over 100 days in captivity across the state.
The state CAN chairman, John Bakeni, made the call on Sunday
at a prayer session organised to mark ‘CAN at 50’ in Maiduguri, the state
capital.
Bakeni said the spate of abductions in the state
necessitated what he described as a “CAN at 50 sober celebration,” adding that
many residents were caught between economic hardship and insecurity.
He said, “CAN is 50. There are lots of events and activities
that have been lined up. Sadly, at the state level, our celebration is a sober
one.
“How do you celebrate when your children are in captivity,
when your brothers and sisters are in captivity, when so many communities are
being attacked and challenged by insecurity, and when economic hardship is
biting hard?”
He, however, noted that despite the challenges, the
association and its members would not be discouraged.
He assured that members would continue to intensify prayers
for peace to return.
“There is a cloud of uncertainty, hardship and insecurity
that hovers over us. But as people of faith, we always give God thanks even in
the midst of challenges. We believe that God will answer our prayers,” he
stated.
The CAN chairman added that the association was employing
advocacy to give the authorities a constant reminder of the plight of the
victims.
He said, “In terms of the steps we will be taking, CAN is
more of an advocacy group, and we have reached out to our leaders both at the
national and state levels to do whatever they can to see that our brothers and
sisters who are in captivity are set free.
“These kids have spent over 100 days in captivity. You can
imagine what their parents are going through—the pain, agony, trauma.
“We have pleaded with the leaders to do whatever it takes.
The best way to feel this is to put yourself in the shoes of any of these
parents. If your children are in captivity, what will you do? Therefore, while
we pray for them, we also encourage them.”
Bakeni also called on the government and security agencies
to intensify action towards the immediate rescue of all victims in captivity.
“We are using this medium to call on the government, both at
the national and state levels, all security agencies, and all those involved in
the task of liberating our children to do whatever they can.
“It is a responsibility that rests on their shoulders. We
urge them to do something to rescue the abducted persons because it is long
overdue,” he appealed.
Recall that on May 16, 42 students and pupils were abducted
after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior
Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area.
Similarly, on June 29, suspected Boko Haram terrorists
invaded Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, also in Askira/Uba LGA,
abducting 36 students and one teacher.
The two abductions bring the total number of missing
children to 78.
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