The Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Musa Askira, has led a protest involving about two dozen aggrieved parents and guardians, demanding the rescue of 42 schoolchildren abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of the state. The children were taken on May 15, 2026, from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Mussa community.
Growing Anxiety Over Prolonged Captivity
Addressing journalists in Maiduguri on Saturday on behalf of stakeholders from Askira/Uba, Askira expressed that growing anxiety and anguish have gripped residents as the children remain in captivity nearly three weeks after their abduction. “We come before you with profound sadness and heavy hearts,” he said. “These innocent children, whose only offence was seeking knowledge, have been cruelly taken away from their families. This is not only an attack on education but an assault on our shared humanity and the future of our society.”
Call for Intensified Rescue Efforts
Describing the incident as a heartbreaking assault on humanity, the lawmaker called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the children’s safe return. He noted that community leaders initially refrained from making public statements, trusting security agencies to secure the release of the pupils, but the prolonged captivity has heightened fears among parents and residents. “Three weeks is an agonisingly long time for young children to remain in captivity, far from the protection and comfort of their families,” he added.
A relative of some of the abducted children, John Madaki, claimed that the number of victims might be higher than initially reported, stating that additional children were later discovered missing, while some non-pupils were also abducted during the attack.
Commendation and Call for Decisive Action
The deputy speaker commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for their commitment to restoring peace and responding to the incident. He also praised Zulum for visiting affected families shortly after the abduction. Askira further lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and other security agencies involved in counter-insurgency operations. However, he stressed the need for more decisive action. “We appeal to all relevant authorities to deploy every available intelligence, kinetic and non-kinetic strategy necessary to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of these children. Every moment they remain in captivity is one too many,” he said.
Demand for Enhanced Security
The stakeholders also called for a comprehensive review of security arrangements in Askira/Uba, citing the area’s proximity to the Sambisa Forest. They urged the establishment of fortified security infrastructure, including forward operating bases, rapid response units, strengthened school security, and sustained military patrols.
Fresh Violence in Zamfara
In a related development, fresh violence has been reported in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where at least four people were killed in separate attacks and several travellers were allegedly abducted. According to security analyst Bakatsine on X, three people were killed while working on their farms, including two residents of Zurmi town and one person from a nearby village. The security situation reportedly worsened after armed men attacked Baichen Dauran community. Bakatsine said, “Last night, bandits reportedly stormed Baichen Dauran community in the local government area and killed one person.” He added that travellers were also allegedly abducted along a road near the community, including a commercial driver from Zurmi identified as Kabiru Takaye. Residents of Zurmi and surrounding communities are said to be living in fear as recurring attacks continue to threaten lives and livelihoods. The Zamfara State Government and security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incidents at the time of filing this report.
