CAN demands rescue of abducted Borno schoolchildren

The Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State chapter, has called for the urgent rescue of 78 abducted schoolchildren and others who have spent over 100 days in captivity across the state.

The state CAN chairman, John Bakeni, made the call on Sunday at a prayer session organised to mark ‘CAN at 50’ in Maiduguri, the state capital.

Bakeni said the spate of abductions in the state necessitated what he described as a “CAN at 50 sober celebration,” adding that many residents were caught between economic hardship and insecurity.

He said, “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.

“How do you celebrate when your children are in captivity, when your brothers and sisters are in captivity, when so many communities are being attacked and challenged by insecurity, and when economic hardship is biting hard?”

He, however, noted that despite the challenges, the association and its members would not be discouraged.

He assured that members would continue to intensify prayers for peace to return.

“There is a cloud of uncertainty, hardship and insecurity that hovers over us. But as people of faith, we always give God thanks even in the midst of challenges. We believe that God will answer our prayers,” he stated.

The CAN chairman added that the association was employing advocacy to give the authorities a constant reminder of the plight of the victims.

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He said, “In terms of the steps we will be taking, CAN is more of an advocacy group, and we have reached out to our leaders both at the national and state levels to do whatever they can to see that our brothers and sisters who are in captivity are set free.

“These kids have spent over 100 days in captivity. You can imagine what their parents are going through—the pain, agony, trauma.

“We have pleaded with the leaders to do whatever it takes. The best way to feel this is to put yourself in the shoes of any of these parents. If your children are in captivity, what will you do? Therefore, while we pray for them, we also encourage them.”

Bakeni also called on the government and security agencies to intensify action towards the immediate rescue of all victims in captivity.

“We are using this medium to call on the government, both at the national and state levels, all security agencies, and all those involved in the task of liberating our children to do whatever they can.

“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 appealed.

Recall that on May 16, 42 students and pupils were abducted after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area.

Similarly, on June 29, suspected Boko Haram terrorists invaded Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, also in Askira/Uba LGA, abducting 36 students and one teacher.

The two abductions bring the total number of missing children to 78.