The Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State chapter, has appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue 78 schoolchildren who have remained in captivity for more than 100 days.
The state CAN Chairman, John Bakeni, made the appeal on Sunday during a prayer programme held in Maiduguri as part of activities marking the association’s 50th anniversary.
Bakeni said the prolonged captivity of the children, coupled with the security challenges confronting the state, had cast a sombre mood over the anniversary celebration.
According to him, CAN had continued to draw the attention of relevant authorities to the plight of residents held by insurgents through its advocacy efforts.
He expressed concern over the condition of the abducted children and the emotional burden their prolonged absence had placed on their families.
Bakeni called on the Federal and Borno State governments, security agencies and other stakeholders involved in the rescue operation to step up coordinated efforts to secure the victims’ freedom.
He said the association would sustain its prayers for peace in Borno and the safe return of all residents being held in captivity despite the prevailing security challenges.
The 78 schoolchildren were abducted in two separate attacks in Askira-Uba Local Government Area. Forty-two pupils were taken from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School on May 16, while 36 students and a teacher were reportedly abducted from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, on June 29.