Borno Stakeholders Urge Abductors to Release 42 Schoolchildren

Stakeholders from Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State have made a passionate appeal to the abductors of 42 schoolchildren, urging them to release the children unconditionally. The stakeholders, led by Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Askira, expressed concern over the prolonged detention of the pupils, which has subjected their families and communities to deep anxiety and emotional distress. According to Askira, the three-week ordeal has been agonising, particularly given the young age of the victims. 'We passionately appeal to the conscience of those behind this heinous act: these are children, not soldiers or politicians. They are the future of Borno and Nigeria. We urge you to fear Almighty God and release them unconditionally. Children must never be used as bargaining chips,' he said. The lawmaker noted that community leaders had exercised restraint since the abduction, trusting that the government and security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the children's release. However, he added that their patience has now given way to deep anxiety and worry. Askira commended President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum for their efforts to restore peace and address security challenges in the state. The stakeholders also called for enhanced security measures in Askira/Uba, citing the area's proximity to the Sambisa Forest, which is known to be a hideout for insurgent groups. 'Furthermore, we must address the urgent need for a more robust security presence. Askira/Uba Local Government shares immediate borders with the fringes of the Sambisa Forest, making our communities uniquely vulnerable. Given this precarious geography, we request the immediate establishment of a permanent and fortified security architecture, including strengthened school security, rapid-response units, forward operating bases and sustained patrols to provide the protection our people desperately need,' he stated. The appeal comes amid growing concerns over the resurgence of attacks on schools and communities in parts of Borno State despite ongoing military operations against insurgents. The abduction of the 42 pupils and students on May 16 has reignited fears over the safety of schools in the North-East, where thousands of children have been affected by insurgency-related violence over the past decade. Although security agencies have intensified efforts to rescue the victims, the children were yet to regain their freedom as of the time of filing this report, prompting renewed appeals from community leaders and families for their immediate release.