Reps demand rescue of 42 abducted Borno schoolchildren

Nigeria's House of Representatives on Tuesday called for the swift rescue of 42 schoolchildren abducted from Mussa Ward in Borno State's Askira-Uba Local Government Area. The lawmakers also urged the federal government and security agencies to implement a national framework to protect schools across the country.

The urgent appeal followed a motion by Midala Balami, who represents the Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency. Balami expressed deep concern over the abduction and the increasing number of attacks on schools and communities, warning of severe threats to education and national security. He emphasized that protecting students, educators, and school environments is a fundamental government responsibility.

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The House is concerned that the recurring attacks on schools and communities continue to threaten access to education, endanger lives, traumatise families, disrupt livelihoods, and undermine public confidence in the capacity of government to guarantee security.

Balami recalled previous mass abductions in Borno, including the 2014 kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls, many still missing, and recent attacks on other communities. He stated that these recurring incidents undermine public confidence in the government's ability to ensure safety, deepen fears, and contribute to declining school enrollment in vulnerable areas.

The motion highlighted growing public frustration with the government's handling of insecurity, noting that communities demand tangible results over assurances. "Communities are increasingly losing confidence in government responses to insecurity and economic hardship, and are demanding visible and concrete actions rather than repeated assurances," Balami said. The House adopted the motion, urging decisive and coordinated action to safeguard schools and secure the release of all abducted individuals.

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Communities are increasingly losing confidence in government responses to insecurity and economic hardship, and are demanding visible and concrete actions rather than repeated assurances.