The Borno State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue 78 schoolchildren abducted from communities in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of the state.

The association said the children were abducted from schools in Mussa and Lassa communities and had remained in captivity since May and June 2026.

The state CAN Chairman, Most Rev. John Bakeni, made the call on Sunday during a prayer session organised in Maiduguri to mark CAN’s 50th anniversary.
 
Bakeni, who is also the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, described the anniversary celebration in Borno as a sober one, given the insecurity and economic hardship confronting residents.
 
“As you know, CAN is 50. Nationwide, there are lots of events and activities that have been lined up, of which all the state chapters have been invited and asked to key into, so that we can thank God for bringing us together under one umbrella as a body of Christ.’’
 
“Sadly, even at the national level, but particularly at the state level, our celebration is a sober one.

As I said in my address, how do you celebrate when your children are in captivity, when your brothers and sisters are in captivity, when so many communities are being attacked and challenged by insecurity, and when economic hardship is biting hard?” he asked.
 
Bakeni, however, said the situation would not discourage the association or its members, assuring that they would continue to pray for peace and the safe return of those in captivity.

“If you look at it, there is a cloud of uncertainty, hardship and insecurity that hovers over us. But as people of faith, we always give God thanks even in the midst of challenges. We believe that God will answer our prayers,” he said.

He said the prayer session was also used to pray for the nation, Borno State, people in captivity and the forthcoming election.

The CAN chairman said the association was also using advocacy to engage government officials and other stakeholders over the plight of the abducted children.
 
“In terms of the steps we will be taking, CAN is more of an advocacy group and we have reached out to our leaders, both at the national and state levels, to do whatever they can to see that our brothers and sisters who are in captivity are set free.

“These kids have spent over 100 days in captivity. You can imagine what their parents are going through, and the pain, agony and trauma that these people are going through. For the leaders, we have pleaded with them. We have asked them to do whatever it takes,” Bakeni said.
 
He urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of all victims still in captivity.

“We are using this medium to call on the government, both at the national and state levels, all security agencies and all those who matter in this effort of liberating our children to do whatever they can.
 
“It is a responsibility that rests on their shoulders, so let them do something to rescue them because it is long overdue,” the cleric appealed.