The Borno State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has initiated a three-day period of fasting and prayer. This effort is focused on securing the release of 78 students kidnapped by Boko Haram militants in the Askira-Uba Local Government Area.
Beyond the students, the association is also seeking the freedom of other individuals captured in Ngoshe, Gwoza, and along the Biu-Buratai road during their travel to Maiduguri in April 2026. The event, titled “A Call for Three Days Fasting and Prayers for the Safe Return of Our Kidnapped Brethren,” will run from Friday, August 14, through Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Senior Apostle Joshua Akeredolu Michael, the Secretary of Borno CAN, issued the directive. He noted that the 78 students have been held by their captors for over two months. The leadership of the association, headed by Most Rev. Dr. John Bogna Bakeni, is encouraging Christians statewide to ask for divine help for those taken in Mussa, Lassa, and throughout the region.
Church leaders have been asked to lead their congregations in these prayers, culminating in the Sunday services. Simultaneously, the association has appealed to both federal and state authorities, alongside security forces, to increase their rescue operations. The organization maintains a strong hope that these spiritual efforts will aid in the safe return of all those currently in captivity.