No Classroom, No Home, No Answers: Borno Children Mark 65 Days Since Abduction
The families of the Borno school children abducted have been living a painful existence for 65 days, counting days, waiting for updates and hoping for the safe return of their children. A school day has turned into a long day of confusion and uncertainty for parents, siblings and communities.
The attack occurred at Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, which not only disrupted the children’s education but also their sense of safety and normal childhood. Families have been calling for immediate action to free their loved ones ever since.
The prolonged absence has brought about greater problems. Every day a child is absent from school is a day that he or she loses out on learning, friendships, and a disruption of the environment in which he or she grows, develops, and builds a future. The uncertainty of families about the health of their children has become a daily challenge.
The community has been demanding more concerted action to get the children home and to give more attention to the protection of schools in vulnerable areas. The situation has also reignited worries about the safety of children’s access to education in conflict-affected communities.
The focus is on the children at the centre of the crisis as the 65th day passes. Their families are waiting, hoping that renewed commitment, coordinated action and improved child protection will result in their safe return and that no child’s right to education and security is violated.
