Borno Schoolchildren Abduction Hits 101 Days as Zulum Says FG, State Working for Their Release
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has stated that the Federal Government and the state government are collaborating to free the school children abducted from Mussa community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area.
Zulum assured the parents of the abducted children in Maiduguri during a meeting with them as the abduction entered its 101st day. Families had been repeatedly calling for urgent government action and this meeting was called.
The children were taken from Mussa Central Primary School and Mussa Junior Day Secondary School on May 15, 2026. Zulum said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had instructed security agencies to ensure that the children were safely returned to their families.
He showed sympathy to the parents and assured them that the Federal Government, Nigerian Armed Forces and Borno State Government will continue to work towards the release of the children.
“Mr President has since ordered security agencies to ensure the rescue of our children,” Zulum said, “I want to assure you of that.”
The governor’s pledge was made as families and community leaders stepped up their calls for action after 100 days in captivity.
The Askira-Uba/Hawul Elders Forum, who addressed the press, called on Tinubu and Zulum to call on all security agencies to mobilise all their resources to bring the children home.
The secretary of the forum, Malla Gadzama, said that the families had been living in fear, anxiety and uncertainty for 100 days and that the children were not to be forgotten.
The elders also urged for immediate action on other abductions in Borno, particularly the 36 students who were reportedly missing after being abducted while sitting for NECO exams at Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, on June 29.
Families are hopeful that the government’s new promises will lead to the safe return of the children, as the Mussa abduction case has been ongoing for 101 days.
