…Home state of Vice President
Borno parents protesting their children’s abduction
By Saidu Abubakar
On May 15, 2026 Boko Haram/ISWAP invaded during early morning lessons, on the edge of Sambisa Forest. Senator Ali Ndume confirmed 42 children abducted: 28 from primary section, 4 from GDSS (2 male, 2 female), 10 from nearby houses. Some counts say 44.
Five months now. Over 150 days gone. “BringBackOurChildren” protest staged but it’s an exercise in futility. Governor Babagana Zulum, these 42 children are still missing in the home state of the Vice President. Isn’t Oyo approach long overdue in the APC-ruled state?
They’re not secondary students only – toddlers and nursery kids includive. Parents protesting in Askira-Uba reportedly say youngest of them is 2 years, 4-year-old celebrated birthday in captivity. That’s why Middle Belt Forum said “including toddlers as young as two”.
Second attack same LGA: June 29, Government Day Secondary School Lassa – 36 students (25 girls, 11 boys) whisked away while writing NECO exams, 1 teacher killed, 1 staff still in captivity. Total Askira-Uba = 78 children in captivity in a democratic dispensation and towards another election season!
Why people say they are treated differently:
1. Silence vs Oyo: When kids were kidnapped in Oyo same day, the whole nation mobilized, quickly rescued. Middle Belt Forum (MBF) statement: “While the entire nation rightly mobilised for Oyo victims, the children of Mussa have suffered in almost complete silence” – little visible concern from FG, Borno govt, NUT, CSOs, human rights groups.
2. Southern Borno factor: Chibok, Askira-Uba, Southern Borno is mostly Christian minority area. CAN has had to advocate: “These kids have spent over 100 days… imagine what parents go through.” MBF called it “troubling double standard” – Whereas, ection 14(2)(b) of Nugerian Constitution: “protection of lives is primary purpose of govt”.
3. Parents can’t even protest freely. Reports have it that families too poor to travel to Abuja, some hospitalized with hypertension. Their placards read: “Our children are neglected by the FG”, as if to the blind.
President Bola Tinubu reportedly told Gov Zulum on Oct 10 at the Villa that the Army, DSS, NSA will act, but parents u sist it’s been assurances since May.
That’s the difference people point to – not ages only, but that 42 very young children could remain 5 months in the hands of their abductors without national outcry. Where is the unity, where is the democracy, where is the freedom?
