The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of Nigerians still in terrorist captivity, urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to replicate the commitment that led to the rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State across other parts of the country.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Forum’s spokesman, Luka Binniyat, who commended security agencies for the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State but warned that many victims in other states remain forgotten.
The group described the rescue as a welcome development that has brought relief to affected families, saying it demonstrated that decisive security operations can produce results.
However, the Forum noted that on the same day the Oyo abduction occurred, Boko Haram insurgents attacked Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, abducting 42 children, including toddlers as young as two years old.
It expressed concern that while the Oyo incident attracted nationwide attention, victims abducted in parts of Borno and Kaduna states have continued to receive limited public attention despite their prolonged captivity.
“The Middle Belt Forum warmly commends the Federal Government, the security agencies and all those who played a role in the successful rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State on May 15, 2026.
“Their safe return has brought great relief to their families and to Nigerians who followed their painful ordeal.
“However, while we celebrate this success, we must remind the government that protecting the lives and property of citizens is not an act of charity. It is the primary reason government exists,” the statement said.
The Forum cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that the security and welfare of citizens shall be the primary purpose of government, insisting that every Nigerian deserves equal protection regardless of ethnicity, religion or geographical location.
The MBF also highlighted the June 29, 2026 attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, where it said 36 students—25 girls and 11 boys—and a staff member were abducted while writing examinations. It added that at least one teacher was killed during the attack.
The Forum further recalled the August 2025 attack on Shikarkir community in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, where seven children were abducted and, according to the group, remain in captivity.
It also referenced attacks in Southern Kaduna, including the April 6, 2026 assault on Ariko Village in Kachia Local Government Area, where seven worshippers were reportedly killed and 37 others, mostly women and children, abducted.
The group further cited the April 20, 2026 attack on Awon community, also in Kachia Local Government Area, where two people were reportedly killed and 11 others abducted.
According to the Forum, the families of the victims continue to endure pain and uncertainty while waiting for decisive government intervention.
It questioned what it described as the disparity in attention given to different cases of insecurity, insisting that every Nigerian life should receive the same urgency and commitment from government.
“The Middle Belt Forum believes that no government should appear more concerned about rehabilitating criminals than rescuing innocent citizens still held by those same criminals,” the statement added.
The MBF urged the governments of Borno and Kaduna states to emulate the commitment shown during the Oyo rescue operation by providing regular updates to families of abducted persons and working closely with security agencies to secure their release.
It also called on the Federal Government to intensify rescue operations for all Nigerians still in captivity, including victims from Mussa, Lassa, Shikarkir, Ariko, Awon and other affected communities.
“The rescue of the Oyo victims has demonstrated that determined action can produce results. The same commitment must now be extended to every Nigerian still in captivity,” the Forum said.
The group further appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers, civil society organisations, human rights groups, religious leaders, the media, development partners and the international community to sustain attention on victims of terrorism.
“Every Nigerian child held hostage by enemies of society deserves to be remembered. Every hostage deserves hope. Every family deserves justice,” the statement concluded.
