Writing By Teddy Daniels; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has commended the Federal Government and security agencies for the successful rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, but has expressed concern over the alleged neglect of victims of similar attacks in parts of Borno and Kaduna states.
This is contained in a statement by the Spokesman of the Forum, Luka Binniyat, explaining that the rescue of the Oyo victims has brought relief to their families, but that the government has a constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians, irrespective of their location or background.
The Forum notes that on the same day the Oyo schoolchildren were abducted, Boko Haram insurgents also attacked Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, abducting forty-two children, including toddlers, but says the incident has received little national attention.
According to the statement, another attack occurred on June twenty-ninth this year at Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, also in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, where thirty-six students and one staff member were abducted, while a teacher was killed.
The Forum also recalls the abduction of seven children from Shikarkir community in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State in August last year, saying they remain in captivity.
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It further cites attacks in Southern Kaduna, including the April sixth assault on three churches in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area, during which seven worshippers were killed and thirty-seven others abducted, as well as the April twentieth attack on Awon community, where two persons were killed and eleven others abducted.
The Middle Belt Forum says many of the victims from these incidents remain in captivity and argues that greater efforts should be directed towards rescuing innocent citizens rather than focusing on rehabilitation programmes for repentant insurgents and bandits.
The Forum calls on the Federal Government, as well as the governments of Borno and Kaduna States, to intensify rescue efforts, provide regular updates to affected families and ensure that all abducted Nigerians receive equal attention.
It also urges the Nigerian Union of Teachers, civil society organisations, religious leaders, the media and the international community to sustain advocacy for the release of all citizens still being held by terrorists across the country.
