Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday visited Uba town to sympathize with parents and guardians of 48 school children abducted last Friday in Mussa community of Askira/Uba Local Council Area of the state. Zulum assured the Mussa residents that all efforts were being intensified with the military and other security agencies to secure the safe release of the kidnapped victims.
Governor's Visit and Sympathy
Governor Zulum, who has consistently visited communities affected by insecurity to console victims and assess the situation firsthand, also met with parents of the abducted children at the palace of the Emir of Uba. Addressing the gathering, the governor conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the Emir, the parents of the abducted children and the entire people of the Uba Emirate over the unfortunate incident. “I want to convey my deepest sympathy to the Emir of Uba, parents of the abducted children and the entire people of Uba Emirate over the recent unfortunate incident,” he said.
Assurance of Federal and State Support
Besides sympathizing with the parents and guardians of the abductees, the governor added: “Let me assure you that the Federal Government under the distinguished leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces and Borno State Government will do everything possible to secure the release of the children.” The governor commended the military and other security agencies for taking proactive measures to prevent further deterioration of the security situation in the area.
Deployment of Security Personnel
He disclosed that the Brigade Commander, Commanding Officer, Divisional Police Officer and other heads of security establishments had already been deployed to strengthen security and facilitate the safe return of the abducted children. Zulum also pledged to fortify security in Askira, Uba and adjoining communities to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents. “We have made frantic efforts to stabilize Askira, Uba and adjoining communities through reinforcing security in these areas,” he said.
Appeal to Abductors and Call for Prayers
The governor appealed to the abductors to release the innocent children, noting that they were minors who required the care and protection of their parents. He further called on residents of the Uba Emirate and the entire people of Borno State to intensify prayers, especially during the first 10 days of the holy month of Dhul Hijjah.
