Borno CAN Declares Three-day Fasting, Prayer for 78 Abducted Schoolchildren

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno State chapter, has declared a three-day fasting and prayer programme for the safe release of 78 schoolchildren abducted by Boko Haram terrorists in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of the state.

The prayer exercise, according to the association, is also intended to seek divine intervention for the release of other victims who remain in captivity across parts of Borno State.

The three-day programme, themed “A Call for Three Days Fasting and Prayers for the Safe Return of Our Kidnapped Brethren,” is scheduled to commence on Friday, August 14, and end on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Borno CAN Secretary, Senior Apostle Joshua Akeredolu Michael.

CAN said the 78 schoolchildren had remained in captivity for more than two months following their abduction in Askira-Uba.

The association also listed 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.

According to CAN, the prayer programme was declared under the leadership of the state chairman, Most Rev. Dr. John Bogna Bakeni, as part of efforts to mobilise Christians across the state to pray for the safe return of those still in captivity.

The association directed church leaders across Borno to encourage their congregations to participate actively in the exercise.

It said individual churches would conduct the prayers within their respective congregations, with the programme expected to be concluded during Sunday worship services on August 16.

CAN also appealed to the Federal Government, Borno State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts aimed at rescuing the abducted schoolchildren and other victims still being held by their captors.

The Christian body expressed hope that the three-day spiritual exercise would result in the safe return of the abducted children and other victims to their families.

The latest development comes amid continuing security concerns in parts of Borno, where communities have continued to face threats from insurgents and kidnappers, with families and religious organisations calling for stronger efforts to secure the release of those in captivity.