Tension grips Borno as Governor Babagana Zulum visits Uba town following the shocking abduction of dozens of schoolchildren from the Mussa community, leaving families in anguish and the entire region on edge.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has visited Uba town to console the families of 48 schoolchildren abducted from the Mussa community in Askira Uba Local Government Area, assuring residents that every possible effort was being made to secure the safe return of the victims.
Addressing the gathering, which included the Emir and parents of the abducted children, the governor expressed his deepest sympathies and pledged that the Federal Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the Borno State Government would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the children were freed.
He also commended the military and other security agencies for taking prompt measures to prevent the situation from worsening, and disclosed that senior security officials including the Brigade Commander, Commanding Officer, and Divisional Police Officer had already been deployed to the area to strengthen operations and facilitate the children’s release.
Zulum further pledged to reinforce security across Askira, Uba, and neighbouring communities to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
He also appealed directly to the abductors to release the children, emphasising that they were innocent minors in need of the care and protection of their families.
He called on the people of Uba Emirate and Borno State as a whole to intensify prayers, particularly during the first ten days of the holy month of Dhul Hijjah.
The Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Isma’ila Mamza II, provided further details about the incident, confirming that it occurred on Friday, May 15, when 48 people were taken from the Mussa community. Among those abducted were 37 primary school pupils, six secondary school students, and five other residents.
The Emir commended Governor Zulum for his consistent commitment to tackling insecurity and supporting the emirate.
A community representative from Mussa, Dr. Chinapi Amanja, also expressed appreciation for the governor’s visit and acknowledged the deployment of senior military and security personnel to the area.