Borno Leaders Urge Terrorists to Release Abducted Children

Leaders from Borno State, particularly from Askira Uba Local Government Area, made an urgent plea for the unconditional release of 42 schoolchildren abducted three weeks ago by terrorists. The delegation, led by Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Askira, voiced their deep concern during a press briefing in Maiduguri.

They highlighted the psychological trauma and anxiety faced by the families and the community due to the children's prolonged captivity. Askira emphasized that the children are not soldiers or politicians and appealed to the abductors to fear God and release the children without conditions.

He acknowledged the efforts of the federal and state governments in addressing security issues but noted the lack of breakthroughs in the abduction case. The leaders called for the urgent deployment of security personnel to the vulnerable areas bordering the notorious Sambisa Forest, advocating for a robust security presence to prevent future occurrences.