The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Borno State Chapter, has urged the Federal Government, the state government and security agencies to step up efforts to rescue 78 schoolchildren and other victims who have remained in captivity for more than 100 days. The appeal was made on Sunday by the state CAN Chairman, Most Reverend John Bakeni, during a prayer session held in Maiduguri as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the association.
Bakeni said the security situation in Borno had made it difficult for the Christian community to celebrate the milestone with the usual festivities, noting that many residents were still grappling with insecurity and economic hardship. 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?” According to the CAN chairman, the prevailing challenges would not weaken the resolve of the association and its members to pray for the return of peace and security.
“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. Bakeni said the prayer session was specifically organised to seek divine intervention on behalf of the country, Borno State and those being held captive.
“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. He explained that CAN had also been engaging political and security authorities through advocacy, particularly on the need to secure the release of the abducted 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.”
Bakeni said the prolonged captivity of the children had placed an enormous emotional burden on their families, urging authorities to consider the ordeal from the perspective of the affected parents. “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. The CAN chairman specifically appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify operations aimed at securing the immediate release of those still 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. The victims include 42 students and pupils who were abducted on May 16 after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Another 36 students and a teacher were reportedly abducted on June 29 when suspected Boko Haram terrorists invaded Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, also in Askira/Uba Local Government Area. The two incidents brought the number of abducted students and pupils to 78.
