The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State has declared a three-day fasting and prayer programme for the safe release of 78 schoolchildren abducted by Boko Haram terrorists in the Askira-Uba Local Government Area of the state.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the initiative will also extend to seeking the release of other victims abducted in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area, as well as those kidnapped along the Biu-Buratai Road while travelling to Maiduguri in April 2026. The three-day exercise, themed “A Call for Three Days Fasting and Prayers for the Safe Return of Our Kidnapped Brethren,” is scheduled to begin on Friday, August 14, and run through Sunday, August 16, 2026.
According to a statement by the Borno CAN Secretary, Senior Apostle Joshua Akeredolu Michael, the 78 schoolchildren have now spent more than two months in captivity. CDA News Nigeria gathered that the directive was issued under the state CAN leadership, which urged church leaders across Borno to encourage their congregations to actively participate in the exercise, with each church expected to hold the prayers within its own congregation and conclude the programme during Sunday services.
“All church leaders are urged to encourage members to key into this fasting and prayers, as we serve a living God that answers prayers,” Akeredolu said, expressing confidence in the power of the collective spiritual exercise to secure the children’s release.
The association also renewed its appeal to the Federal Government, the Borno State Government, and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the release of all kidnapped victims still being held across the state. CAN said it remained hopeful that the fasting and prayer programme would ultimately lead to the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren and other victims still in captivity.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the initiative comes amid mounting concern over the prolonged captivity of the children, with families and community leaders in affected areas repeatedly appealing to authorities for updates on rescue efforts. The abductions form part of a broader pattern of school-targeted attacks by Boko Haram and affiliated groups across parts of Borno State in recent months, which have continued to raise questions about the safety of learning institutions in the region.
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