(Mohammed Ndume. Photo credit: Sun Nigeria)
A senator from Borno State is pushing the military to step up efforts to rescue schoolchildren and travelers who’ve been held captive for more than 100 days.
The senator visited military headquarters in the state capital on Wednesday to raise the issue.
He’s asking for faster action on rescuing students taken from Mussa and Lassa communities, passengers seized along the Buratai road, and remaining victims from Ngoshe in Gwoza.
The senator praised the military’s work against insurgency but stressed that the victims especially the children have been away from their families too long.
Many have now spent over 100 days in captivity, causing deep worry among relatives and their communities.
He made clear his plea isn’t meant as criticism of the military’s efforts.
Rather, it’s his job as a representative to speak for his people and push for action.
He said he commends the military when they do well but must also bring the concerns of his constituents to their attention.
The military commander responded by saying the concerns about the abducted victims have been noted.
He assured the senator that the army and other security agencies remain committed to protecting communities, stabilizing affected areas and safely bringing back people displaced by years of violence.
In May, 42 students were seized from a school in Mussa following an attack by suspected insurgents.
In June, another attack on a school in Lassa resulted in 36 students and a teacher being abducted.
Together, those incidents account for 78 reported abducted students.
