Parents Lament As 78 Children Remain Missing After Boko Haram Abductions
Parents of 78 pupils and students abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State have expressed frustration over the lack of information on their children's whereabouts weeks after the incidents.
The affected children include 42 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School, abducted on May 16, 2026, and 36 students of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, who remain missing after another attack on June 29.
Although security forces rescued nine students and a teacher from the Lassa attack, parents said 36 students are still unaccounted for based on records compiled by the school and the Borno State Government.
Speaking on behalf of affected families, Milnda Lassa, whose son Bitrus is among those missing, said parents have turned to fasting and prayers, seeking divine intervention for the safe return of their children.
He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts, citing the intelligence-led operation that recently secured the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
Another parent, Ibrahim Millam, said families had received no official update since his daughter, Esther, an SS2 student, was kidnapped.
He described the prolonged silence as heartbreaking and appealed to the authorities not to abandon the children in captivity.
Residents of Mussa community also voiced concern over the emotional toll the abductions have taken on families.
Community member Sani Abdullahi said many parents were losing hope as weeks passed without any breakthrough despite repeated appeals to the government.
Meanwhile, the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, warned that the group would organise protests if urgent action was not taken to secure the release of the remaining children.
He called on the Borno State Government and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to bring the abductees home safely.
The affected children include 42 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School, abducted on May 16, 2026, and 36 students of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, who remain missing after another attack on June 29.
Although security forces rescued nine students and a teacher from the Lassa attack, parents said 36 students are still unaccounted for based on records compiled by the school and the Borno State Government.
Speaking on behalf of affected families, Milnda Lassa, whose son Bitrus is among those missing, said parents have turned to fasting and prayers, seeking divine intervention for the safe return of their children.
He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts, citing the intelligence-led operation that recently secured the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
Another parent, Ibrahim Millam, said families had received no official update since his daughter, Esther, an SS2 student, was kidnapped.
He described the prolonged silence as heartbreaking and appealed to the authorities not to abandon the children in captivity.
Residents of Mussa community also voiced concern over the emotional toll the abductions have taken on families.
Community member Sani Abdullahi said many parents were losing hope as weeks passed without any breakthrough despite repeated appeals to the government.
Meanwhile, the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, warned that the group would organise protests if urgent action was not taken to secure the release of the remaining children.
He called on the Borno State Government and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to bring the abductees home safely.
