SUNTV GLOBAL CHANNEL
NEWS REPORT | Saturday, August 22, 2026
Families of 116 persons reportedly abducted in different parts of Borno State have appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum to intensify efforts to secure the immediate and safe release of their loved ones.
The families made the appeal during a press conference in Abuja, where they called for stronger coordination among the Federal Government, Borno State Government, security agencies and intelligence services.
Among those whose release they are demanding are 42 pupils and students of Mussa Primary and Junior Day Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area, who were reportedly abducted on May 15, 2026.
The families also appealed for the rescue of 36 students of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, who were reportedly abducted on June 29 while taking their National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
Another 38 people were reportedly abducted along the Buratai Road to Maiduguri, while other victims were said to have been taken along the Chibok route and other vulnerable roads and communities across the state.
The families said the prolonged captivity of their relatives had subjected them to months of fear, anxiety and uncertainty, particularly parents who remain unsure of the safety and whereabouts of their children.
Speaking on behalf of the affected families, Secretary of the Hawul/Askira-Uba Elders Forum, Malla Gadzama, appealed to President Tinubu to deploy all available national security resources towards securing the victims’ release.
He also urged Governor Zulum to work closely with the Federal Government, security agencies and intelligence services to explore every possible avenue for the safe return of the abducted persons.
The families pointed to the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State as evidence that coordinated and intelligence-led security operations could lead to the safe recovery of victims.
While commending the government and security agencies for the Oyo rescue operation, they questioned why children and other residents abducted in Borno had remained in captivity for months.
The families stressed that they were not seeking preferential treatment but wanted equal protection, urgency and commitment from the authorities.
They called for intensified intelligence gathering, improved coordination among security agencies and the deployment of every available lawful means to secure the safe return of the victims.
The families maintained that the continued absence of their loved ones had caused severe emotional hardship and appealed to the authorities to treat the matter as an urgent national security and humanitarian priority.
They said they would continue pressing for government intervention until all the abducted persons are safely reunited with their families.
SUNTV GLOBAL CHANNEL will continue to monitor developments surrounding the reported abductions and efforts to secure the victims’ release.
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