Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has disclosed that the Federal Government and the Borno State Government are working closely to secure the safe release of the 44 schoolchildren abducted from Mussa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of the state.
Zulum made the disclosure on Friday when he met with parents of the abducted children at the Government House in Maiduguri. The meeting was convened following appeals by the parents for urgent government intervention to secure the release of their children.
The governor conveyed the sympathies of the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and reaffirmed the President’s commitment to ensuring that the abducted pupils are safely reunited with their families.
He assured the parents that the Federal Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Borno State Government were taking all necessary steps to secure the children’s release.
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I once again extend my sympathies over what happened at Mussa Central Primary School on the 15th of May 2026, which led to the abduction of about 44 primary school pupils,” Zulum said.
“Also, on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I want to sympathise with you. I want to assure you that Mr President has since directed the security agencies to ensure the rescue of our children, and I believe they are working to ensure their rescue,” he added.
The governor reiterated the government’s determination to secure the safe return of the children and provide support to their families during the difficult period.
The meeting was attended by the Senator representing Southern Borno, Mohammed Ali Ndume; the Acting Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe; Commissioner for Inter-Governmental Affairs and Special Duties, Dr Samaila Abdulaziz Satumari; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr Juliana Bitrus.