Borno State CAN Chairman and Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, Most Reverend John Bakeni
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State Chapter, has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue 78 schoolchildren abducted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of the state.
The association also expressed concern over the worsening economic hardship and insecurity across the country, saying the situation has left many families in pain and uncertainty.
The appeal was made on Sunday by the Borno State CAN Chairman and Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, Most Reverend John Bakeni, during a special prayer session held in Maiduguri to mark the 50th anniversary of CAN.
Bakeni said the continued captivity of the children made it impossible for Christians in the state to celebrate the milestone with joy.
“As you know, CAN is 50. Nationwide, there are lots of events and activities that have been lined up at the of which all the state chapters have been invited and asked to key Into and even the local government so that we can thank God for bringing us together under one umbrella as a body of Christ.
“Sadly, even at the national level, but particularly at the state level, our celebration is a sobber one. As I said in my address. How do you celebrate when your children are in captivity, when your brothers and sisters are in captivity, when so many community are been attacked and challenged by insecurity, and when economic hardship is biting hard,” he stressed.
Despite the challenges, Bakeni said Christians would remain steadfast in prayer and continue to trust God for peace and the safe return of those held captive.
“If you look at it, there is a cloud of uncertainty of hardship and insecurity that hovers over us. But as people of faith, we always give God thanks even in the midst of challenges. We believe that God will answer our prayers,” he stated.
He explained that the prayer gathering focused on the nation, Borno State, victims of abduction and the forthcoming general elections.
“This is why today is a day set aside for basically prayers. We prayed for our nation, our state, and our brothers and sisters who are in captivity. We also prayed for the fourth coming election,” he noted.
Bakeni said CAN would continue to use dialogue and advocacy to remind government authorities of their responsibility to secure the release of those still in captivity.
“In terms of the steps we will be taking, CAN is more of an advocacy group and we have reached out to our leaders both at the national level and state level to do whatever they can to see that our brothers and sisters who are in captivity are set free.
“This kids have spent over 100 days in captivity. You can imagine what their parents are going through. And the pain, agony, trauma that these people (victims) are going through. For the leaders, we have pleaded with them.
“We have asked them to do whatever it takes. And you know, the best way to feel this thing is to put yourself in the shoes of any of these parents. If your children is in captivity, what will you do? Therefore, while we pray for them, we also encourage them,” he said.
The CAN chairman urged both the Federal and Borno State governments, as well as security agencies, to act without further delay.
“We are using this medium to call on the government, both at the national and state level, all security agencies, and all those who matters in this effort of liberating our children to do whatever they can. It is a responsibility that rest on their shoulders, so let them do something to rescue them because it is long overdue,” he appealed.
The prayer session formed part of activities marking CAN’s golden jubilee. Rather than hold elaborate celebrations, the Borno chapter dedicated the anniversary to prayers for peace, national unity and the safe return of victims of insurgency.
The appeal comes as families of the abducted children continue to wait for their loved ones several months after the attacks.
On May 16, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area, abducting 42 pupils and students.
Again, on June 29, suspected insurgents invaded Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in the same local government area, where they abducted 36 students and one teacher. The incidents renewed concerns over the security of schools and the safety of children in communities affected by insurgency.
