Borno Stakeholders Demand Release of 42 Abducted Children

Stakeholders in Borno State, led by Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Askira, have made a public appeal for the unconditional release of 42 schoolchildren who were abducted by Boko Haram on May 16. The children were taken from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira Uba Local Government Area and have been in captivity for three weeks.

The community has expressed deep distress over the situation, describing it as painful for the families of the victims. The stakeholders emphasized that the children are innocent and should not be held as hostages, urging their abductors to release them.

They also called for improved security measures in Askira Uba, particularly given its proximity to the Sambisa Forest, which is known for terrorist activities. The appeal reflects growing concerns over the safety of schools in Borno State amid ongoing counter-insurgency operations.