Reps Demand Urgent Rescue of 116 Abducted Schoolchildren, Other Victims in Borno

The House of Representatives has called for intensified security operations to secure the immediate and safe release of 116 schoolchildren and other victims abducted in Borno State.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep. Midala Balami, who raised concerns over the prolonged captivity of victims kidnapped in Mussa, Lassa and along the Buratai–Maiduguri Road.

Balami disclosed that 44 schoolchildren were abducted from Mussa on May 15, 2026, alongside 36 other persons in Mussa and along the Buratai–Maiduguri Road.

He also recalled the abduction of 36 students and two teachers in Lassa Ward, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The lawmaker said the victims had spent varying periods in captivity, with the schoolchildren abducted in Mussa held for more than 138 days, while those taken from Lassa had spent over 70 days in captivity. Other victims abducted along the Buratai–Maiduguri Road had reportedly been held for more than 160 days.

He warned that the prolonged captivity had subjected the victims’ families and affected communities to emotional distress, uncertainty and fear, stressing the need for urgent intervention to secure their freedom.

Balami called for intensified, coordinated and sustained search-and-rescue operations until all the abducted victims were safely recovered.

In response, the House urged security agencies to strengthen rescue efforts, improve intelligence gathering and enhance information sharing to locate the victims and apprehend those responsible for the abductions.

The lawmakers also called for increased security along the Buratai–Maiduguri Road, Mussa, Lassa and other vulnerable communities through more patrols, intelligence-led operations and the establishment of security checkpoints.

Furthermore, the House urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to provide relief materials, medical assistance and psychological support to the affected families and communities.