FG, Borno Step Up Efforts to Rescue 44 Pupils Held for 100 Days

The Federal Government and the Borno State Government have intensified efforts to secure the release of 44 primary school pupils abducted from Mussa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of the state.

The pupils have been in captivity for about 100 days following their abduction from Mussa Central Primary School on May 15.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, disclosed the latest efforts on Friday when he met with the parents of the abducted children in Maiduguri.

The meeting was held after the parents appealed to the government to take stronger action to secure the safe return of their children.

Zulum expressed concern over the prolonged captivity of the pupils and sympathised with their families, who have continued to wait for news about their children’s release.

The governor said President Bola Tinubu remained committed to securing the children’s freedom and had directed security agencies to intensify operations aimed at locating and rescuing them.

He also assured the parents that the Borno State Government was working closely with the Nigerian Armed Forces to achieve the safe return of the children.

According to the governor, the state government would continue to support efforts by security agencies and would not abandon the affected families while the search for the pupils continues.

The children were reportedly taken from Mussa Central Primary School on May 15, when armed attackers invaded the community and abducted pupils.

The prolonged absence of the children has caused growing concern among their parents and residents of the community, who have continued to call for urgent government action.

During the meeting in Maiduguri, the parents renewed their appeal for greater efforts to locate their children and bring them home safely.

Zulum told the families that the government understood the pain caused by the incident and would continue to pursue every available avenue to secure the children’s release.

The meeting was attended by Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Southern Borno Senatorial District, alongside members of the state executive council and other senior government officials.

Those present included the commissioners responsible for education and intergovernmental affairs, among other officials involved in the state’s response to the incident.

The governor’s meeting with the families comes as security agencies continue efforts to address attacks and abductions affecting communities in parts of Borno State.

The Federal Government and the state authorities are expected to maintain their joint efforts until the 44 pupils are safely reunited with their families.