CAN Demands Rescue Of Borno Schoolchildren, Others In Captivity
The Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State Chapter, has called for the urgent rescue of 78 abducted schoolchildren and others who have spent more than 100 days in captivity across the state.
The state CAN Chairman, Most Reverend John Bakeni, made the call on Sunday at a prayer session organised to mark ‘CAN at 50’ in Maiduguri, the state capital.
Bakeni said the spate of abductions in the state necessitated what he described as a “CAN at 50 sober celebration”, stressing that many residents were caught between economic hardship and insecurity.
He said, “As you know, CAN is 50. Nationwide, there are lots of events and activities that have been lined up, at the end of which all the state chapters have been invited and asked to key into and even the local government, 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 being 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 of 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 forthcoming election,” he noted.
The CAN chairman further explained that the association was employing the instrument of advocacy to reach out to the concerned authorities as a constant reminder of the plight of the victims.
“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 is 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 level, all security agencies, and all those who matters in this effort of liberating our children to do whatever they can. It is a responsibility that rest on their shoulders, so let them do something to rescue them because it is long overdue,” he appealed.
Recall that on May 16, 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 June 29, suspected Boko Haram terrorists invaded Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, also in Askira/Uba LGA, abducting 36 students and one teacher.
The two abductions bring the total number of missing children to 78.
