Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum yesterday visited Uba town to express condolences to parents and guardians of 48 schoolchildren who were abducted last Friday in Mussa community, Askira/Uba Local Government Area. The governor assured residents that efforts are being intensified in collaboration with the military and other security agencies to secure the safe release of the victims.
Zulum, who has consistently visited communities affected by insecurity to console victims and assess situations firsthand, also met with parents of the abducted children at the palace of the Emir of Uba. Addressing the gathering, he conveyed his sympathy to the Emir, the parents, and the people of the Uba Emirate over the incident.
“Let me assure you that the Federal Government under the distinguished leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the Borno State Government will do everything possible to secure the release of the children,” Zulum said.
The governor commended the military and other security agencies for taking proactive measures to prevent further deterioration of the security situation in the area. He disclosed that the Brigade Commander, Commanding Officer, Divisional Police Officer, and other heads of security establishments have already been deployed to strengthen security and facilitate the safe return of the abducted children.
Zulum also pledged to bolster security in Askira, Uba, and adjoining communities to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents. He appealed to the abductors to release the children, noting that they are minors who require the care and protection of their parents. He also called on residents of the Uba Emirate and the people of Borno State to intensify prayers, especially during the first 10 days of the holy month of Dhul Hijjah.
In a related development, Zulum visited Chibok town to commiserate with communities affected by recent attacks in parts of Chibok Local Government Area. Addressing district heads, village heads, council members, and other stakeholders, the governor said he was saddened by the attacks, which claimed several lives and left many others injured. “I want to assure you that the Federal Government, Nigerian Armed Forces, and the Borno State Government will do everything possible to avert the recurrence of such incidents,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Senators Forum has raised the alarm over the abduction of students and children from Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Mussa, warning against a repeat of the prolonged tragedy that followed the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction. The forum, through its Chairman, Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, condemned the attack and called on the federal government and security agencies to launch immediate and coordinated rescue operations to secure the safe return of the victims.
In a statement issued yesterday, Yar’Adua described the abduction as “an attack on innocent children and a direct assault on the right to education and the future of Northern Nigeria.” The forum urged the federal government, the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, and other security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the pupils without delay.
“We must not allow this incident to become another prolonged tragedy like the Chibok abduction. Every hour counts, and the families of these children cannot endure another decade of uncertainty and pain,” Yar’Adua added. The forum also expressed solidarity with the people and government of Borno State, insisting that urgent and decisive measures must be taken to halt recurring attacks on schools and vulnerable communities in the North-East.
