Borno Parents Seek Tinubu’s Intervention as 78 Children, Teacher Remain in Captivity

The abductions removed children from two Margi communities in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. The victims have remained in captivity for months, leaving families uncertain and pressing authorities for action. The community says repeated appeals have not secured their release.

In Mussa, 42 children were abducted on May 15, 2026. In Lassa, 36 children and a teacher were taken on June 29 while the children were sitting National Examinations Council examinations. The incidents occurred separately but have created one continuing crisis for the community.

Parents are asking President Bola Tinubu and other authorities to intensify rescue efforts. The community says the government has communicated with the abductors, but families have not received direct information. It is seeking coordinated action, verified updates, support for affected families, and stronger protection for vulnerable schools.

The reported total is 78 children and one teacher. These figures come from two separate incidents affecting Mussa and Lassa communities in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. The victims’ continued captivity has driven parents and community leaders to seek urgent government intervention.

The first abduction occurred in Mussa on May 15, 2026, when 42 children were taken. The second occurred in Lassa on June 29, during National Examinations Council examinations, when 36 children and a teacher were abducted. Together, the two child groups total 78.

The community says the victims have remained captive for months. It has appealed to the president, security authorities, state officials and lawmakers. It also wants a reliable liaison system so families can receive verified information without putting rescue efforts or victims’ safety at risk.

NECO stands for the National Examinations Council, Nigeria’s examination body for national school assessments. The article identifies the Lassa event as occurring during NECO examinations. That detail explains why many children were together in one place when the abduction happened.

On June 29, 36 children and a teacher were taken from Lassa during the examinations. The teacher was likely supervising or supporting the examination session, but the article does not specify the teacher’s exact duties. The key point is that an education activity created a known gathering of children.

The incident highlights the need for stronger security around vulnerable schools and communities, which the Margi community specifically requested. The community also called for rescue efforts that protect the children and avoid publishing information that could compromise their safety or negotiations.

The response involves several levels of government. President Bola Tinubu is being asked to intensify efforts. The Borno State Government has given families assurances. The National Security Adviser and security agencies are expected to support rescue and protection efforts, while the National Assembly can press the presidency and agencies to act.

The community says abductors communicated with the government, but not with families. It also says it wrote to the National Security Adviser without receiving a response. Attempts to meet the Senate President and other National Assembly authorities were unsuccessful. These details show that responsibility is spread across institutions, but communication and coordination remain weak.

The community wants federal and state authorities to coordinate rescue operations and provide regular, verified updates. It may hold a procession to the National Assembly. The president’s involvement, lawmakers’ pressure and security agencies’ operational work could help, but the article does not report that the children have been released.

Direct, verified communication helps families understand what is known, what remains uncertain and how they can avoid actions that might endanger victims. Without it, rumours can fill the gap. Families may not know whether negotiations are active, whether information is reliable or what authorities need from them.

Frank Kudla said the abductors had communicated with the government but had not contacted victims’ families. He said families understood that the government alone knew the kidnappers’ demands. The community therefore requested a designated liaison arrangement for verified updates and concerns.

The crisis remains unresolved, with the children and teacher still in captivity for months. Regular communication could improve trust and reduce confusion while protecting sensitive rescue details. The community also cautioned journalists against publishing information that could endanger the children or compromise rescue efforts, showing that communication must be accurate and carefully managed.

Prolonged captivity can harm children’s emotional wellbeing, physical health, sense of safety and education. Families may experience fear, grief, financial pressure and uncertainty while waiting for news. These effects can continue after release, especially when children have missed months of school or experienced violence. The article does not describe the victims’ specific condition.

Psychosocial support generally means counselling, emotional care and safe support for children and relatives. Medical care addresses injuries, illness and other health needs. Rehabilitation can help children recover daily routines, learning ability and confidence. Educational assistance can support their return to schooling after the interruption.

The Margi community called for all four forms of help, alongside welfare support for families. It also urged authorities to sustain rescue efforts and protect the children’s safety. Meeting these needs after release would address more than immediate rescue by helping victims and families recover and rebuild their lives.

Schools are especially vulnerable during armed conflict because many children and teachers gather in one place at a known time. Conflict can also disrupt transport, buildings, staffing and learning. When a school is attacked or used as a target, children lose both immediate safety and access to education. The article directly links the Lassa abduction to examinations.

On June 29, 36 children and a teacher were taken from Lassa during NECO examinations. The community later urged authorities to strengthen security around vulnerable schools and communities. This example shows why safety planning must cover examination venues, not only regular school buildings.

Governments have a responsibility to pursue rescue efforts, coordinate federal and state action, protect schools and communicate safely with families. They should also provide medical, psychosocial and educational support after release. The article further calls for sustained attention and warns journalists not to publish details that could compromise rescue operations.