Borno Parents Postpone Abuja Protest as 78 Abducted Schoolchildren Remain in Captivity for 150 Days
Parents of 78 schoolchildren abducted by terrorists in Borno State have postponed a planned protest in Abuja because they cannot afford transportation and other expenses, as their children remain in captivity 150 days after the first abduction.
The distressed families had planned to march to the Presidential Villa to demand urgent government action to secure their children’s release. However, financial difficulties and the need to provide food for family members at home have forced them to delay the protest.
According to Daily Trust, the children were abducted in two separate incidents in Askira-Uba Local Government Area. Forty-two school pupils were seized in Mussa on May 15, 2026, while 36 college students were abducted in Lassa on June 29.
The chairman of the Abducted Children’s Parents Association, Ishaku Suya, said many families were struggling to raise money for the journey while also trying to harvest crops to support their households.
He described the emotional suffering of parents, particularly mothers, who continue to worry about their children’s safety.
Some parents also expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of communication from government authorities regarding rescue efforts.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum reportedly said President Bola Tinubu had assured him that the Nigerian Army, State Security Service and Office of the National Security Adviser would intensify efforts to rescue the children.
Despite postponing their protest, the parents insist they will travel to Abuja when they can raise sufficient funds.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has urged the federal government to take decisive action to secure the children’s release.
The families continue to await news of their children as concerns grow over their prolonged captivity.
