Stakeholders from Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State have appealed to the abductors of 42 schoolchildren to release them without conditions, stressing that the victims are innocent children who should not be subjected to the trauma of captivity.
Drivetvnews gathered that the appeal was made in Maiduguri by a delegation led by the Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Askira. The group expressed concern over the continued detention of the pupils and students, who have remained in captivity for about three weeks since their abduction.
According to Askira, the prolonged ordeal has caused severe emotional pain and anxiety for the victims’ families and communities. He urged the abductors to act with compassion and release the children, noting that they are neither politicians nor combatants but young learners with promising futures.
The stakeholders explained that community leaders had initially remained patient, trusting that security agencies and government authorities were working to secure the children’s freedom. However, they said growing concern has now replaced that patience due to the length of time the victims have remained in captivity.
The delegation commended President Bola Tinubu and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for their efforts to tackle insecurity and support affected families. They also acknowledged the ongoing operations of security agencies aimed at rescuing the abducted children.
In addition, the stakeholders called for stronger security measures in Askira/Uba, citing its proximity to the Sambisa Forest, which has long been associated with insurgent activities. They requested the establishment of permanent security structures, including forward operating bases, rapid-response units, strengthened school protection measures, and continuous patrols.
The appeal follows the abduction of 42 pupils and students on May 16 after suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area. The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of schools in the North-East despite ongoing military operations against insurgent groups.
