Thirteen days after schoolchildren and teachers were kidnapped in Borno and Oyo states, the victims are still in captivity, with no contact from the abductors, raising fears over their safety.
Boko Haram insurgents attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba, Borno State, on May 15, abducting 42 pupils, including toddlers. The same day, gunmen kidnapped 46 people — seven teachers and 39 students — from two schools in Oriire LGA of Oyo State. A two-year-old girl, Christianah Akanbi, was among them, while a teacher was killed.
Parents and residents say there has been no progress. “The worst has already happened, and we don’t have any power except the power of God. He is the only one who can save our little children,” Mohammed Sale said.
A mother, Sarah, said: “In fact, nobody has contacted us, and since the day our children were taken away, we have had no information about them.”
Borno authorities have shut the affected school and ordered pupils moved to safer centres.
In Oyo, Prof. Wole Alamu, husband of abducted principal Rachael Alamu, warned against public comments that could affect rescue efforts. Residents said local hunters tried to chase the attackers but retreated because the kidnappers had stronger weapons.
President Bola Tinubu vowed to continue efforts until all abducted children are rescued safely and those responsible face justice.
Daily Trust
