Middle Belt Forum Demands Rescue of Remaining Kidnap Victims, Warns Against ‘Forgotten’ Terrorism Cases

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has urged the Federal Government to intensify rescue efforts for Nigerians still held captive by terrorists, warning that victims in several communities must not be abandoned or forgotten.

The group made the call while reacting to the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. It said the operation showed that decisive government action could produce positive results when there is commitment and coordination.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Luka Binniyat, the MBF called for similar efforts to secure the release of victims from communities including Mussa, Lassa, Shikarkir, Ariko and Awon, among others.

“The rescue of the Oyo victims has demonstrated that determined action can produce results. The same commitment must now be extended to every Nigerian still in captivity,” Binniyat said.

The forum also criticised what it described as unequal attention given to kidnapping incidents across the country. It specifically called on the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to show equal concern for all affected teachers and students, including victims of attacks in Southern Borno.

The MBF highlighted the abduction of pupils from Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, which occurred on the same day terrorists attacked schools in Oyo State. The group said 42 children, including very young pupils, were taken during the incident and have received limited public attention.

It further recalled another attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, also in Askira/Uba LGA, where 36 students and one staff member were abducted while examinations were ongoing. The forum said at least one teacher was killed during the attack.

Beyond school abductions, the MBF raised concerns over attacks in Kaduna State, including the April assault on Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area, where it said seven people were killed and 37 others abducted. It also mentioned the attack on Awon community, where 11 residents were reportedly taken away.

The group appealed to civil society organisations, religious leaders, human rights advocates, the media and international partners to continue drawing attention to victims of terrorism, stressing that every Nigerian held captive deserves protection, hope and justice regardless of their location, ethnicity or religion.

The MBF also questioned the continued allocation of public resources to rehabilitation programmes for repentant insurgents and bandits while many victims of terrorist attacks remain in captivity, describing the situation as painful and unacceptable.