Borno Community Pleads with Tinubu and Zulum to Rescue 78 Abducted Children

The Margi community in Borno State has issued a heartfelt plea to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum, urging them to intensify efforts to rescue 78 schoolchildren and a teacher kidnapped from Mussa and Lassa communities in the Askira/Uba Local Government Area.

During a press briefing in Abuja, community Secretary Malla Gadzama highlighted the anguish families are enduring due to the ongoing captivity of their loved ones.

 He emphasized the need for urgent action and regular updates on the victims’ status.

The abductions occurred in two separate incidents: 43 pupils were taken from Mussa on May 15, 2026, while another 35 students and a teacher were kidnapped from Lassa on June 26, as they prepared for national examinations.

“Our message is clear: our children must not be forgotten,” Gadzama asserted, calling for the mobilization of security and intelligence resources to address the crisis effectively.

He urged Tinubu to ensure coordination among security agencies to prioritize the rescue operation. “These children are Nigerians. Their lives matter,” he stressed.

The community leader also appealed to Governor Zulum to prioritize the rescue mission and establish a reliable communication channel for families, ensuring they are informed without compromising security protocols.

Gadzama pointed out that development cannot replace the safety and well-being of the children, stating, “Infrastructure cannot compensate for the continuing anguish of parents whose children remain in captivity.”

The Margi community also called on Senator Ali Ndume and other elected representatives from Askira/Uba to apply pressure on the authorities for a swift resolution to the situation.

Referencing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which emphasizes the government’s responsibility for the security and welfare of the people, he reiterated that they are not seeking favors, but rather a fulfillment of governmental duties.

“Bring Mussa schoolchildren, Lassa schoolchildren, and their teacher safely home. 

That is our demand,” Gadzama concluded, as the community united in their call for action.

The appeal underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures around vulnerable schools and support for the victims upon their return.

 The community remains hopeful for a swift resolution to this distressing situation.