The House of Representatives has called for urgent and coordinated action by the Federal Government and security agencies to secure the release of 116 schoolchildren and other victims abducted in different parts of Borno State.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Midala Balami, representing a constituency in Borno State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The victims were abducted in separate incidents involving Mussa, Lassa and the Buratai-Maiduguri Road, with the prolonged captivity raising fresh concerns over the safety of residents and communities in the affected areas.
While presenting the motion, Balami reminded the House that he had earlier raised concerns over the abduction of 44 schoolchildren and 36 other persons in Mussa and along the Buratai-Maiduguri Road.
The lawmaker said the incidents had left affected families and communities living with fear, uncertainty and emotional distress, with many still waiting for the safe return of their loved ones.
The situation was compounded by the subsequent abduction of 36 students and four teachers in Lassa Ward, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, further highlighting the security challenges confronting the affected communities.
Balami expressed concern that the continued captivity of the victims places their lives and personal safety at risk, while also disrupting their education and undermining their fundamental rights.
He also warned that the prolonged insecurity could expose the affected communities and neighbouring areas to further attacks and abductions if sustained and coordinated security measures are not urgently implemented.
According to the lawmaker, the 44 schoolchildren abducted from Mussa on May 15, 2026, had already spent more than 138 days in captivity when the latest motion was brought before the House. He recalled that lawmakers had considered and adopted a resolution on the same day, calling for immediate action to secure their release.
He further noted that the 36 students abducted from Lassa had spent more than 70 days in captivity, while victims taken along the Buratai-Maiduguri Road had remained in captivity for more than 160 days.
The prolonged detention, he said, has continued to deepen anxiety among the victims’ families and constituents, who remain uncertain about the fate and safe return of their loved ones.
The House is therefore seeking intensified security operations and stronger coordination among relevant agencies to facilitate the safe recovery of the abducted schoolchildren and other victims.
