The Margi community in Borno State has called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum to intensify efforts to rescue 78 schoolchildren and a teacher reportedly abducted in Askira/Uba Local Government Area.
The community’s secretary, Malla Gadzama, made the appeal while briefing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, expressing concern over the prolonged captivity of the victims and the anguish of their families.
Gadzama said 43 pupils were abducted from Mussa on May 15, 2026, while 35 students and a teacher were reportedly taken from a secondary school in Lassa on June 26 as they prepared for national examinations.
“Our message is simple and clear: our children must not be forgotten,” he said, urging Tinubu to deploy the necessary security and intelligence resources and improve coordination among security agencies.
He also called on Zulum to prioritise the rescue operation and provide affected families with regular updates without compromising security efforts.
The community urged Senator Ali Ndume and other elected representatives from Askira/Uba to sustain pressure on the authorities. It also called for improved security around vulnerable schools and medical, psychological and educational support for the victims upon their return.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, Gadzama said the government had a responsibility to protect citizens and safeguard their welfare.
“We are not asking for favour from government. We are just asking the government to fulfil its primary responsibility to the people,” he said.
The community appealed to the authorities and security agencies to continue rescue efforts until the children and their teacher are safely reunited with their families.
