Borno CAN Seeks Rescue Of 78 Schoolchildren

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State Chapter, has decried the worsening economic hardship and insecurity bedevilling Nigerians, calling on the Federal Government to urgently rescue 78 schoolchildren abducted in Borno State.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the 78 school children abducted in their schools in Mussa and Lassa in Askira-Uba local government area of Borno State have remained in captivity since 15 May and 29 June 2026, despite agonies and cries by their parents and family members after their abduction.

The state CAN Chairman, Most Reverend John Bakeni, made the call for the rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and others on Sunday at a prayer session organised to mark ‘CAN at 50′ in Maiduguri, the capital of the state.

He noted that the spate of abduction in the state necessitated what he described as a “CAN at 50 sobber celebration”, stressing that many residents are caught in between economic hardship and insecurity.

Bakeni, who is the Auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri Catholic Diocese, said, “As you know, CAN is 50. Nationwide, many events and activities are lined up, to which all the state chapters and the local government have been invited, so that we can thank God for bringing us together under one umbrella as a body of Christ.

“Sadly, even at the national level, but particularly at the state level, our celebration is a sober one. As I said in my address. How do you celebrate when your children are in captivity, when your brothers and sisters are in captivity, when so many communities are attacked and challenged by insecurity, and when economic hardship is biting hard,” he stressed.

He, however, noted that despite the issues, the association and its members would not be discouraged, while assuring that they would continue to intensify prayers for peace to return.

“If you look at it, 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.

“This is why today is a day set aside for basically prayers. We prayed for our nation, our state, and our brothers and sisters who are in captivity. We also prayed for the fourth coming election,” he noted.

The CAN Chairman further explained that the association is employing advocacy tools to reach out to the relevant authorities as a constant reminder of the victims’ plight.

“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 level and state level 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. And the pain, agony, trauma that these people (victims) are going through. For the leaders, we have pleaded with them. We have asked them to do whatever it takes. And you know, the best way to feel this thing 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,” he said.

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 who matter in this effort of liberating our children to do whatever they can. It is a responsibility that rests on their shoulders, so let them do something to rescue them because it is long overdue,” he appealed.

Recall that on 16 May, 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 29 June, suspected Boko Haram terrorists invaded Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, also in Askira/Uba LGA, abducting 36 students and one teacher.