Borno Children’s Parliament Demands Rescue of Pupils Held in Captivity for Over 120 Days

By Atiku Galadima, Maiduguri.

The Borno Children’s Parliament has called on the Federal and Borno State governments to intensify efforts to rescue pupils and students abducted from schools and held in captivity for more than 120 days.

THE NATIONAL LENS reports that the Parliament also raised concerns over the worsening challenges confronting children affected by insecurity, including disruption to education, displacement and limited access to essential services.

The demands were made during a sitting of the Borno Children’s Parliament in Maiduguri attended by officials of Save the Children International, including its Country Director in Nigeria, Duncan Harvey.

Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Umar Ibrahim, acknowledged government efforts in education and infrastructure but urged authorities to take stronger measures to address the security challenges affecting children across the state.

Of particular concern, he said, was the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba and Government Day Secondary School, Lassa.

According to him, about 42 pupils were abducted from Mussa school on May 16, 2026, while 36 students and a teacher were taken from Lassa school on June 29, 2026.

“We are the voice of the voiceless. That is why today we appealed to the state government. We appreciate your effort, but we appeal to them once more that these children in captivity, we want them back home. They have parents; they want them back home,” Ibrahim said.

He described the prolonged captivity of the children as a growing source of concern among children and affected families, stressing that the Parliament would continue to use its platform to draw attention to issues affecting young people.

“Children Parliament don’t have the power to take actions, but we have the power to influence action. That is why we are here to influence decision on the issues affecting children,” he added.

Harvey, who participated in the parliamentary sitting, commended the children for openly articulating their concerns and speaking about issues affecting their rights and welfare.

He said children should have platforms where they can directly express their experiences and concerns, particularly on security, education and healthcare.

According to him, children’s voices become even more significant when they are given the opportunity to speak for themselves about the issues shaping their lives and future.

Harvey reaffirmed Save the Children’s commitment to supporting Children’s Parliaments in Borno, other parts of Nigeria and at the national level.

He noted that the insurgency had created an insecure and vulnerable environment for many children, particularly those displaced by violence and those affected by school closures.

He also called for greater opportunities for Nigerian children to share their experiences and highlight the importance of education to their future.

The Children’s Parliament further expressed concern over the number of children who remain out of school as a result of insecurity and other challenges.

While commending government investment in education and infrastructure, Ibrahim urged authorities to sustain interventions aimed at keeping children in school and ensuring that those who have dropped out or remain excluded from education are reached.

The Parliament said continued investment in child protection, education and security remained critical to safeguarding the future of children affected by the prolonged crisis in Borno State.