The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of all Nigerians still being held by terrorists, including schoolchildren abducted from communities in Borno and Kaduna states.
The Forum made the appeal while commending the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a welcome development that has brought relief to affected families.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the MBF said the success recorded in Oyo should serve as a model for ongoing rescue efforts across the country, stressing that many victims remain in captivity with little public attention.
According to the Forum, on the same day the Oyo schoolchildren were abducted, Boko Haram insurgents attacked Government Day Secondary School in Mussa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, where 42 children, including toddlers as young as two years old, were reportedly taken away.
The MBF noted that the Mussa school complex consists of a nursery, primary and secondary school, expressing concern that the plight of the abducted children has not received the same level of national attention as other incidents.
While congratulating the Federal Government, security agencies and all those involved in the successful Oyo rescue operation, the Forum maintained that safeguarding citizens is a constitutional obligation rather than an act of goodwill.
It cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, insisting that every Nigerian deserves equal protection regardless of ethnicity, religion or geographical location.
The Forum also recalled another attack on Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, on June 29, 2026. According to the group, terrorists abducted 36 students—comprising 25 girls and 11 boys—along with a member of staff while examinations were in progress. It added that at least one teacher was killed during the attack.
The MBF further referenced the August 2025 attack on Shikarkir community in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, where seven children were abducted and are still believed to be in captivity.
In Southern Kaduna, the Forum highlighted the April 6, 2026 attack on Ariko Village in Kachia Local Government Area, during which seven worshippers were reportedly killed while 37 others, mainly women and children, were abducted.
It also recalled the April 20, 2026 attack on Awon community, also in Kachia Local Government Area, where two people were killed and 11 others abducted.
According to the Forum, families of the victims continue to endure uncertainty and emotional trauma as they await the rescue of their loved ones.
The MBF questioned what it described as unequal attention given to different cases of insecurity across the country, insisting that every Nigerian life should receive the same level of urgency and protection.
It further argued that government should prioritise the rescue of innocent citizens still in captivity, warning against any perception that greater attention is being given to rehabilitating criminals than securing the freedom of their victims.
The Forum urged the governments of Borno and Kaduna states to emulate the commitment demonstrated during the Oyo rescue by working closely with security agencies, keeping families informed and sustaining efforts aimed at rescuing abducted persons.
It also called on the Federal Government to strengthen ongoing rescue operations for victims abducted from Mussa, Lassa, Shikarkir, Ariko, Awon and other affected communities across the country.
According to the MBF, the successful rescue in Oyo has shown that determined security operations can produce results, adding that the same commitment should be extended to every Nigerian still in terrorist captivity.
The Forum further appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers, civil society organisations, religious leaders, human rights groups, the media, development partners and the international community to continue advocating for the safe return of all victims of terrorism.
It stressed that every abducted Nigerian deserves to be remembered, every hostage deserves hope, and every affected family deserves justice.
Middle Belt Forum Urges Tinubu to Intensify Rescue of Nigerians Still Held by Terrorists
