The Centre for Legal Orientation and Humanitarian Aid Initiative, CELOHA Nigeria, and WAN Network for the Protection and Rights of Children in Nigeria have urged the Federal and Borno State Governments to intensify efforts to rescue 78 schoolchildren abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in the state.
The organisations made the demand in a joint statement issued on Friday, expressing concern over the prolonged captivity of the children.
The children were abducted during two separate attacks on schools in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
On May 16, 42 pupils and students were abducted when suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School.
On June 29, another 36 students and a teacher were abducted after suspected Boko Haram terrorists invaded Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, bringing the number of missing children to 78.
CELOHA and WAN urged security agencies to deploy all lawful and appropriate measures to secure the safe release of the children and reunite them with their families.
“The prolonged captivity of these children is deeply troubling.
“Every additional day they remain in the hands of armed groups exposes them to further risks and constitutes a serious concern for their safety, education, dignity and fundamental rights,” the organisations said.
They called for the rescue of the children to be treated as an urgent national priority, urging political leaders and government institutions not to allow preparations for the 2027 general elections to overshadow the security and humanitarian needs of the affected families.
“With the 2027 general elections approaching, we equally urge political leaders and government institutions not to allow electoral activities to overshadow the urgent security and humanitarian needs of these children and their families,” they said.
The organisations also called for regular communication with the affected families and the public on efforts to secure the children’s release, while cautioning against disclosing operational information that could jeopardise rescue operations.
CELOHA Nigeria and WAN Network said they would continue to advocate for the protection and rights of children in Nigeria.
“CELOHA Nigeria and WAN Network will continue to advocate for the protection of children and will not remain silent while children in Nigeria face abduction, violence, exploitation or other forms of abuse,” they said.
The organisations added, “The children deserve to return home. Their safety must come first. Their future cannot wait.”
