**Title: Nigerian Parents Protest for Missing Children Nearly 100 Days After Abduction**
**Uba, Nigeria** – Parents of children abducted from a school in northeastern Nigeria have staged a protest, demanding urgent government action nearly 100 days after the incident. The demonstration took place in Uba on Thursday, where families gathered to call on the federal government to secure the release of around 40 children still missing following the attack in Borno State.
The abduction occurred on May 15 in Mussa, a settlement located near the notorious Sambisa Forest, an area known for its association with Islamist militant groups. During the attack, which took place while classes were in session at Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School, 32 pupils were reported abducted from the school, with an additional ten children taken from nearby homes. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Chinda Buba, one of the parents whose child was taken, expressed deep concern over the well-being of the missing children. "We still have not seen our children and do not know where they are," Buba told Reuters. "We are uncertain whether they are healthy or facing difficult conditions." The anguish of the families was palpable as they carried placards reading "Bring Back Our Children Mussa," emphasizing their determination to keep the issue in the public eye until their children are found.
The protest comes amid a backdrop of ongoing violence and insecurity in the region, which has been plagued by an Islamist insurgency for over a decade. Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have a history of targeting schools, leading to mass abductions. This includes the infamous 2014 kidnapping of more than 270 schoolgirls in Chibok, which drew international condemnation and attention to the plight of children in conflict zones.
In response to the ongoing situation, a police spokesperson stated that the military is "on top of the situation," but further inquiries were directed to the armed forces. The Nigerian Army has previously reported successful operations against Boko Haram, including a June announcement that 360 hostages, including women and children, had been rescued from a Boko Haram enclave in Borno State. However, the families of the missing children remain skeptical and continue to demand more decisive action from the government.
As the protest unfolded, the parents reiterated their commitment to raising awareness about their children's plight and urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure their safe return. The emotional toll on these families is significant, as they grapple with uncertainty and fear for the well-being of their loved ones.
The situation in northeastern Nigeria remains precarious, with ongoing threats from militant groups and a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by years of violence. The protests highlight the urgent need for effective government intervention and support for affected families, as well as a broader strategy to address the root causes of insecurity in the region.
As the days pass, the families of the abducted children continue to hold out hope for their safe return, determined to keep their voices heard in the face of adversity. The commitment of the parents to advocate for their children underscores the resilience of communities affected by violence and the pressing need for a concerted effort to combat the ongoing crisis.