GOMEP-NG Raises Alarm Over 143-Day Captivity of Lassa Schoolchildren

By Charity Uwakwe

143 days in captivity, anxious parents and unanswered questions: GOMEP-NG has demanded urgent action over schoolchildren reportedly abducted in Lassa, Borno State.

GOMEP-NG has urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue about 78 schoolchildren reportedly abducted from Lassa, Borno State.

ABUJA — The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has expressed deep concern over the prolonged silence surrounding the alleged abduction of schoolchildren from Lassa, Borno State, warning that Nigeria cannot afford to celebrate national milestones while children remain in captivity.

National President of GOMEP-NG, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, described the situation as “quite unfortunate and deeply sad,” particularly as the country marked its Independence Day while families were still awaiting credible information about children reportedly abducted on May 15, 2026.

According to Otiti, about 78 schoolchildren were reportedly taken captive, with some families allegedly having two or three children among those still missing.

He said the children had spent about 143 days in captivity as of the time of his statement, with reports indicating that some of the alleged victims are as young as one year and seven months.

Otiti said the prolonged captivity of the children should be treated as an urgent national emergency, warning that their physical safety, medical condition and psychological wellbeing could not be ignored.

“If this doesn’t break you, I don’t know what else will,” he said, describing the situation as unacceptable in a country that claims to prioritise the protection of its citizens, particularly children.

The GOMEP-NG president further alleged that the Lassa abduction occurred on the same day schoolchildren were reportedly kidnapped in Oyo State, but expressed concern that the plight of the Lassa victims had not received comparable public attention.

He said parents whose children were allegedly still in captivity deserved regular, credible and transparent updates from the government and security authorities on efforts to secure their release.

“Parents whose children are in captivity have not gotten any meaningful response or information about what is being done. These are innocent children who went to school to learn and have now spent months in the bush in the hands of terrorists,” Otiti said.

He expressed particular concern over the reported age of some of the victims, saying the possibility that very young children could have spent months in harsh conditions should trouble the conscience of every Nigerian.

Otiti said it was impossible for anyone outside the captivity situation to confidently determine the children’s current medical condition or the extent of the psychological trauma they may have suffered after such a prolonged period.

He also raised concern about the emotional and psychological burden on the affected parents, particularly families who allegedly have multiple children in captivity.

“How do parents cope when two or three of their children are taken away and they receive no clear information about their safety? What is happening to these children medically and psychologically after spending months with terrorists in the bush?” he asked.

The GOMEP-NG president appealed to the Federal Government, the Borno State Government and security agencies to urgently provide credible information about the children and intensify efforts to secure their safe release.

He also cautioned political leaders against allowing political activities, campaigns or national celebrations to overshadow the government’s responsibility to protect citizens and rescue children in captivity.

“It is not enough to campaign, make political statements or celebrate national occasions. The lives and safety of these children must remain a priority,” he said.

Otiti urged the government to communicate more transparently with affected families and the Nigerian public, stressing that prolonged silence only deepens the anxiety, fear and trauma being experienced by those whose loved ones remain missing.

He called for a coordinated response involving security agencies, relevant government institutions, traditional leaders and credible community stakeholders to locate the children and ensure their safe reunion with their families.

“Every day these children remain in captivity is another day of pain for their parents and another wound on the conscience of our nation. Nigeria must not become comfortable with the suffering of its children,” the GOMEP-NG president said.