Families Protest as About 45 Borno Children Remain Missing

By Oluwagbogo Dada · 21 August 2026 · Security · The Verita Post

Security Breaking

Families Protest as About 45 Borno Children Remain Missing

Parents of children abducted from Mussa in Borno State have staged a protest in Uba, saying about 45 children remain unaccounted for nearly 100 days after the attack.

Published 21 Aug 2026, 10:57am WAT

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Oluwagbogo Dada

21 Aug 2026, 10:57am WAT · 3 min read · 7 views

Families Protest as About 45 Borno Children Remain Missing

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Families of children abducted from Mussa community in Borno State have staged a protest demanding their rescue, nearly 100 days after the children were taken from their classrooms.

The protest was held in Uba on Thursday, August 20, with parents and community members appealing to the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the children's release.

About 45 children are still unaccounted for, according to Orbet Lawan Yakubu, who represented the traditional ruler of Mussa during the protest.

The children were abducted on May 15 from Mussa, a community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area located near the Sambisa Forest.

Earlier reports said suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Day Secondary Schools while classes were underway.

Parents who spoke during Thursday's protest said uncertainty over the whereabouts and condition of the children had taken a severe toll on affected families.

One parent, Chinda Buba, told Reuters that the families had received no clear information about where the children were being held or their condition.

Another parent, Peace Nicolos, whose two children are among those missing, said families were living with daily anxiety as they waited for news of their children.

A spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command told Reuters that the military was handling the situation but did not provide further details. Reuters said a military spokesperson did not respond to its request for comment.

The Mussa abduction is not the only unresolved school kidnapping in the area.

On June 29, another attack was reported in nearby Lassa, where 36 students and a teacher were abducted. Reuters reported on Friday that they also remain in captivity.

The incidents have renewed concerns about the security of schools and rural communities in parts of Borno State despite years of military operations against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.

The Sambisa Forest and surrounding communities have for years been associated with insurgent activity, although Nigerian security forces have carried out repeated operations across the region.

Following the May abductions, President Bola Tinubu publicly assured families of abducted pupils in Borno and Oyo states that the government was working to secure their release.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum also visited representatives of affected families and said federal and state authorities, alongside security agencies, were intensifying efforts to rescue the children.

The Nigerian Union of Teachers later held a protest over the Mussa abduction, calling for stronger security around schools and the safe return of the victims.

The National Assembly also said in May that renewed attacks on schools had strengthened the case for accelerating discussions around state police.

Thursday's demonstration suggests that, almost three months later, families remain dissatisfied with the pace of efforts to bring the missing children home.

Verita Context

The May 15 attack in Mussa formed part of a wider wave of school-related kidnappings reported that period.

On the same day, gunmen also attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and abducted pupils and teachers. Those victims were subsequently released after spending nearly two months in captivity.

Borno, however, continues to face threats from insurgent groups despite significant military operations that have weakened their ability to control territory compared with the peak of the insurgency.

Why It Matters

The continued captivity of young children nearly 100 days after their abduction raises fresh questions about the government's capacity to protect schools in communities exposed to insurgent attacks.

It also highlights the longer-term consequences of mass kidnappings. Beyond the immediate security crisis, prolonged captivity affects families, school attendance and confidence in the safety of education in vulnerable communities.

What We Know

The children were abducted from Mussa in Askira-Uba LGA on May 15.

Families protested in Uba on August 20 demanding their release.

A community representative told Reuters that about 45 children remain unaccounted for.

A separate group of 36 students and one teacher abducted from nearby Lassa on June 29 also remains in captivity, according to Reuters.

What Remains Unconfirmed

The exact number of children still missing from the Mussa attack has varied across reports.

Initial accounts cited figures ranging from about 42 to more than 50 victims. A May 17 report by Premium Times said community verification had identified 40 missing children by name while residents believed the total could be higher.

The latest figure of about 45 comes from a community representative interviewed by Reuters and has not been independently confirmed by the Federal Government or military.

Authorities have also not publicly disclosed where the children are believed to be held, their present condition or whether direct contact has been established with their captors.

Evidence

Reuters interviews with parents and community representatives during the August 20 protest.

Contemporary reports from Channels Television, Premium Times and TheCable documenting the May 15 attack.

Previous statements from federal and Borno State authorities promising efforts to secure the children's release.

Developing Story Timeline

May 15, 2026 — Armed attackers abduct children from schools and surrounding areas in Mussa, Askira-Uba LGA.
May 17, 2026 — Community verification efforts indicate dozens of children remain missing, although reported totals vary.
May 27, 2026 — President Bola Tinubu assures families that efforts are underway to rescue abducted schoolchildren in Borno and Oyo.
June 3, 2026 — Teachers protest in Borno over the continued captivity of the Mussa victims.
June 29, 2026 — Another attack in nearby Lassa leads to the abduction of 36 students and a teacher.
August 20, 2026 — Families protest in Uba, demanding action as about 45 Mussa children remain unaccounted for.
August 21, 2026 — Reuters reports that both the Mussa victims and the 36 students and teacher abducted in Lassa remain in captivity.