Borno CAN added that it has been using advocacy to draw the attention of the authorities to the plight of people held in captivity.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Borno State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government, Borno State Government, security agencies, and other stakeholders to immediately rescue the 78 schoolchildren and others abducted by terrorists after spending more than 100 days in captivity, saying “it’s long overdue”.
The body made the demand on Sunday when the CAN Chairman in the state, John Bakeni, spoke during a prayer session organised to mark the association’s 50th anniversary in Maiduguri, the state capital.
On 16 May, 42 students and pupils were abducted from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked the institution.
The terrorist organisation struck again on 29 June, abducting a further 36 students and one teacher after invading Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in the same local government area.
The two incidents brought the number of schoolchildren reported missing across the attacks to 78.
Recalling the two incidents, Bakeni noted that the abductions, persistent insecurity faced by residents, and ongoing economic hardship had made the 50th anniversary celebration a sober one for the association in the state.
“CAN is 50. There are lots of events and activities that have been lined up. Sadly, at the state level, our celebration is a sober one,” he said.
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He further said the association had been using advocacy to draw the attention of the authorities to the plight of people held in captivity.
“These kids have spent over 100 days in captivity. You can imagine the pain, agony, and trauma their parents are going through,” Bakeni said.
He urged the governments at federal and state levels, security agencies, and other stakeholders involved in rescue operations to intensify their efforts to secure the release of the abducted persons.
“It is a responsibility that rests on their shoulders. We urge them to do something to rescue the abducted persons because it is long overdue,” he said.
Bakeni also said CAN would continue to pray for the return of peace and the safe release of those in captivity despite the security challenges confronting the state.
