Borno Lawmaker Urges Swift Rescue of 42 Abducted Schoolchildren, Calls for Enhanced School Security
By Lawrence Avutu
E-ISSN:2354-4481
A member of the House of Representatives representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency of Borno State, Hon. Usman Midala Balami, has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of 42 schoolchildren abducted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in the state.
Balami appealed while speaking with journalists in Maiduguri shortly after presenting a Motion of Urgent Public Importance on the floor of the House of Representatives. He stressed the need for a coordinated and sustained security response to rescue the children and other victims currently being held captive by terrorist groups.
The lawmaker noted that the pupils and students were reportedly abducted on May 15, 2026, from Mussa Primary School and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of southern Borno State during an attack attributed to suspected Boko Haram fighters.
According to him, the continued captivity of the children underscores the urgent need for decisive government intervention and stronger collaboration among security agencies to ensure their safe return.
“I call on the Federal Government and all relevant security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to rescue the 42 abducted pupils from Mussa Ward in Askira-Uba Local Government Area, as well as all other persons currently held in captivity, and reunite them with their families,” Balami stated.
The federal lawmaker also advocated the expansion and strengthening of existing school protection initiatives across conflict-prone communities. He said such measures would help restore public confidence in the education system and encourage school enrolment and attendance.
Balami warned that recurring attacks on educational institutions and the abduction of students pose a significant threat to access to education, particularly in communities already affected by insecurity. He added that persistent violence by armed groups continues to create fear among residents and disrupt social and economic activities.
He further urged the government to prioritise the protection of schools and learning environments as part of broader efforts to combat insurgency and safeguard the future of children in the region.
