By John Alechenu
ABUJA — Christian elders from Borno and Adamawa states have called on the Federal Government to urgently deploy forest guards to Sambisa Forest, saying the move is necessary to dislodge terrorists and restore security in the North-East.
The elders made the appeal in Abuja on Monday at the end of a three-day fasting and prayer session organised by Marghi leaders seeking divine intervention and the release of abducted schoolchildren in parts of Borno and Oyo states.
They specifically urged authorities to “flood Sambisa Forest with forest guards now” to tackle the persistent activities of insurgents affecting vulnerable communities.
Between 42 and 51 children, mostly toddlers and primary school pupils, were reportedly abducted 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 surrounding communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 46 persons, including pupils, secondary school students and a toddler.
Spokesman of the Marghi Community in Abuja, Elder Gambo Kadir, said insecurity in affected communities is far more widespread than reported, claiming that many attacks go unreported in the media.
He said frontline local government areas such as Madagali, Gwoza, Askira/Uba and Chibok have continued to suffer repeated attacks for over a decade.
According to him, the recent abduction in Mussa community represents a continuation of long-standing violence that has left residents traumatised and frustrated.
Kadir criticised what he described as government’s approach to handling terrorism, alleging that insurgents are being rehabilitated instead of being decisively dealt with.
He also 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 enhance intelligence gathering and adopt modern technology to track and rescue abducted victims, insisting that urgent action is needed to secure the release of those still in captivity.
