Families of 116 people abducted across Borno State have appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum to intensify efforts to secure the immediate and safe release of their loved ones.
According to SaharaReporters, the affected families made the appeal during a press conference in Abuja, where they expressed concern over the prolonged captivity of schoolchildren, parents and other residents.
They called for renewed and coordinated action by the Federal Government, Borno State Government, security agencies and intelligence services.
Families Seek Rescue of 42 Schoolchildren
The families specifically demanded the rescue of 42 pupils and students of Mussa Primary and Junior Day Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area.
The children were reportedly abducted on May 15, 2026, and had remained in captivity for months at the time of the appeal.
They also called for urgent action to rescue 36 students of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, who were reportedly abducted on June 29 while sitting for their National Examinations Council examinations.
In addition, the families demanded the rescue of 38 people allegedly abducted along the Buratai–Maiduguri Road, as well as other victims taken from the Chibok route and vulnerable communities across Borno State.
‘Where Are Our Loved Ones?’
Speaking on behalf of the families, the Secretary of the Hawul/Askira-Uba Elders Forum, Malla Gadzama, said the prolonged captivity had subjected relatives to fear, uncertainty and emotional distress.
“Too much time has passed without our children. We have endured sleepless nights, fear and uncertainty, and we are still asking one question: where are our loved ones, and when are they coming home?” Gadzama said.
He appealed to President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to mobilise all available national security resources towards rescuing the abducted victims.
“Mr President, these families have waited long enough. Governor Zulum, these are the children of Borno. Their parents are waiting,” he added.
Families Urge Coordinated Security Action
The families urged Governor Zulum to deploy the full weight of his office and work closely with the Federal Government, security agencies and intelligence services to explore every possible avenue for the victims’ safe return.
They said the continued captivity of the victims had deepened the anguish of their relatives and demanded immediate and decisive intervention.
The families cited the reported rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State as evidence that coordinated and intelligence-led security operations could secure the release of people held in captivity.
“We have seen what is possible when government and security agencies act with urgency. But why should Borno’s children wait this long?” they asked.
They maintained that their appeal was not a demand for preferential treatment but a call for equal protection, urgency and commitment to human life.
Rescue Declared Humanitarian Priority
The families called on the Federal and Borno State governments to treat the rescue of the abducted residents as an urgent national security and humanitarian priority.
They urged the authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve coordination among security agencies and deploy every available lawful means to secure the victims’ safe return.
The families said they would continue demanding government intervention until all the abducted pupils, students and other residents were safely reunited with their loved ones.
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