Christian elders from Borno and Adamawa states have called on the Federal Government to deploy forest guards to Sambisa Forest to strengthen efforts against insurgency and improve security in the North-East.
The appeal was made in Abuja on Monday at the end of a three-day fasting and prayer session organised by Marghi leaders, who also sought divine intervention for the release of abducted schoolchildren in parts of Borno and Oyo states.
The elders urged the government to “flood Sambisa Forest with forest guards now” as part of measures to dislodge terrorists and curb persistent attacks on vulnerable communities.
Their call follows the reported abduction of between 42 and 51 children, mostly toddlers and primary school pupils, by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Mussa town, covering Mussa, Birri and Shikarkir areas of Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on May 15, 2026.
On the same day, bandits reportedly attacked Ahoro-Esinele and neighbouring communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 46 people, including pupils, secondary school students and a toddler.
Speaking on behalf of the Marghi community in Abuja, Elder Gambo Kadir said insecurity in the affected areas is more widespread than is often reported, claiming that many incidents go undocumented.
According to him, frontline local government areas including Madagali, Gwoza, Askira/Uba and Chibok have continued to experience repeated attacks for more than a decade, while the recent abduction in Mussa reflects the persistent security challenges facing residents.
Kadir also criticised the government’s approach to tackling insurgency, alleging that suspected terrorists are being rehabilitated instead of being decisively dealt with.
He further reported a fresh abduction in Kirchiga town, Borno State, shortly after the Mussa incident.
The elders called for increased military deployment to communities bordering Sambisa Forest, particularly in Madagali, Askira/Uba, Chibok and Gwoza.
They also urged the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering and deploy modern technology to aid the rescue of abducted victims and combat insurgency.
