House of Reps Urges Action to Rescue 116 Abducted Children

The House of Representatives has demanded immediate and intensified security operations to secure the release of 116 schoolchildren and other victims abducted in Borno State. This call was made following a motion by Rep. Midala Balami, who expressed concerns over the prolonged captivity of victims taken from Mussa, Lassa, and along the Buratai–Maiduguri Road.

Specifically, 44 schoolchildren were abducted from Mussa on May 15, 2026, alongside 36 others, while 36 students and two teachers were taken in Lassa Ward, Askira-Uba Local Government Area. The Mussa schoolchildren have been in captivity for over 138 days, while those from Lassa have been held for more than 70 days, and other victims along the Buratai–Maiduguri Road for over 160 days.

Balami emphasized the emotional distress faced by the victims' families and communities, urging for coordinated search-and-rescue operations. The House also called for increased security measures in vulnerable areas and for the National Emergency Management Agency and the North East Development Commission to provide relief and support to affected families.