The Federal Government and the Borno State Government have intensified efforts to secure the safe release of 44 schoolchildren abducted from Mussa community in the Askira/Uba Local Government Area of the state.

The state governor, Babagana Zulum, made the disclosure on Friday when he met with parents of the affected pupils in Maiduguri.

The meeting followed a request by the parents, who appealed for urgent government intervention to secure the children’s safe release.

Mr Zulum expressed sympathy to the affected families and assured them of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to rescuing the abducted pupils.

He said Mr Tinubu had directed security agencies to intensify efforts toward ensuring the children’s safe return to their families.

According to him, the Nigerian Armed Forces and Borno States Government are working together to achieve the objective.

Mr Zulum said, “On behalf of the government and people of Borno, I once again extend my sympathies over what happened at Mussa Central Primary School.”

He said the incident occurred on May 15, resulting in the abduction of about 44 primary school pupils.

The governor assured the parents that the government would continue doing everything possible to secure the children’s safe return.

The meeting was attended by Senator. Ali Ndume, representing Southern Borno senatorial district, and other senior government officials.

Those present included commissioners responsible for education and inter-governmental affairs, among other government officials. 

(NAN)