Heartbreak in Borno: Parents Beg for Abducted Children's Return Amidst Zulum Aid Controversy

Published 14 hours ago3 minute read
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Heartbreak in Borno: Parents Beg for Abducted Children's Return Amidst Zulum Aid Controversy

Parents of schoolchildren and other residents abducted from Mussa in Borno State have expressed significant dissatisfaction with how authorities are handling the aftermath of the incident. Their primary concern revolves around the decision by Governor Babagana Zulum to summon their representatives to a meeting in Uba, a neighbouring community, rather than visiting the affected community of Mussa directly. This perceived slight has led to considerable unhappiness among the parents, with some reportedly declining the invitation to Uba because they felt the governor should have come to their area, given that their children were the ones abducted.

During his visit to Uba, Governor Zulum sympathized with the affected families and assured residents that both federal and state governments, along with security agencies, were intensifying efforts to secure the children's release. He also pledged to enhance security in Askira, Uba, and surrounding communities to prevent future attacks. According to the Emir of Uba, Ali Ibn Isma’ila Mamza II, a total of 48 individuals were abducted during the attack on Mussa, comprising 37 primary school pupils, six secondary school students, and five other residents.

Further controversy emerged concerning a reported support package linked to the governor's visit. While a community councillor, Peter Wabba, confirmed that representatives were appointed to engage with authorities and information regarding a support package was later communicated, accounts differed significantly. Another community leader, Stephen, claimed the amount involved was ₦10 million, though this figure could not be independently verified. Lawan Papka, the village head of Mussa, offered a more cautious statement, only confirming that transport support was mentioned but declining to verify the amount, stating he could not confirm what he had not personally seen.

Despite the discussions and differing accounts about financial assistance, parents and residents conveyed unequivocally that their paramount concern remains the safe return of the abducted children. Mr. Wabba emphasized this, stating he advised community leaders against immediately distributing any reported funds, suggesting instead that the money be held by the local council until the children are rescued. "At that moment, it was not money we were looking for; it was our children," he reiterated. He also condemned the attack and appealed to the government for swift action, warning that prolonged uncertainty could escalate tensions and create broader social problems within the community.

Community leaders also indicated that some parents reportedly declined any assistance, a claim which PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify. Videos obtained by PREMIUM TIMES depicted residents gathered in what appeared to be a tense atmosphere, but it was unclear if this reaction was directly linked to the reported support package. While appreciating Governor Zulum's assurances, Mr. Papka noted that he was unaware of any communication from the abductors. Efforts to obtain clarification from the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, were unsuccessful as of the time of the report.

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