Growing anxiety and anguish have gripped residents of Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State as community leaders, political stakeholders, and concerned citizens intensify calls for the immediate rescue of 42 schoolchildren abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents nearly three weeks ago.

Leading the appeal, the Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Musa Askira, described the abduction as a “heartbreaking assault on humanity” and demanded urgent action to secure the children’s safe return.

Addressing journalists in Maiduguri on Saturday on behalf of critical stakeholders from Askira/Uba, the lawmaker expressed deep concern over the fate of the pupils of Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School who were reportedly seized by insurgents on May 15, 2026.

With emotions running high, Askira said the community’s patience was rapidly giving way to fear and uncertainty as families continue to wait for news of their children.

“We come before you with profound sadness and heavy hearts,” he declared. “These innocent children, whose only offence was seeking knowledge, have been cruelly taken away from their families. This is not only an attack on education but an assault on our shared humanity and the future of our society.”

The Deputy Speaker noted that stakeholders had deliberately refrained from public statements in the immediate aftermath of the incident, trusting that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the children’s release. However, he said the prolonged captivity of the pupils had heightened fears among parents and residents.

“Three weeks is an agonisingly long time for young children to remain in captivity, far from the protection and comfort of their families,” he lamented.

Despite the growing frustration, the community leaders commended the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for their commitment to restoring peace and responding swiftly to the tragedy.

Particular praise was reserved for Governor Zulum’s visit to Askira/Uba shortly after the incident to sympathise with affected families, a gesture the stakeholders described as a reflection of his people-centred leadership.

The Deputy Speaker also applauded the sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and other security agencies engaged in counterinsurgency operations across the region. However, he stressed that more decisive measures were urgently needed.

“We appeal to all relevant authorities to deploy every available intelligence, kinetic and non-kinetic strategy necessary to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of these children. Every moment they remain in captivity is one too many,” he said. (The Nation)