Families protest in Nigeria over children abducted nearly 100 days ago

Families in Nigeria are protesting over the abduction of their children nearly 100 days ago. The children were taken from their classrooms on May 15 in Mussa, a community near the Sambisa Forest, a known stronghold of Islamist militants Boko Haram and its offshoot Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). In a demonstration on Thursday in Uba town, the families demanded the federal government secure the release of their children.

Despite years of military operations against the groups, kidnappings continue across Borno and neighboring states. Another attack in Lassa on June 29 left 36 students and a teacher still missing. Authorities claim the military is handling the situation, yet families remain anxious and in constant worry about their children's health and wellbeing.

Chinda Buba, whose child was among those abducted, expressed the families' despair, saying they do not know where their children are or the conditions they may face. Peace Nicolos, whose two children are still missing, described the daily anxiety and struggle to eat as they plead for their children's rescue. The traditional ruler of Mussa reported 45 children still unaccounted for, emphasizing the community's pain and the significant impact of the separation on nearly every family.