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

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 Askira-Uba Local Government Area.

The programme will also seek divine intervention for the release of other victims abducted in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area, and 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 end on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

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

According to CAN, the 78 schoolchildren have remained in captivity for more than two months following their abduction in Askira-Uba.

The association said the state leadership, under Most Rev. Dr. John Bogna Bakeni, declared the fasting and prayer exercise for kidnapped Christians and other victims in Mussa, Lassa in Askira-Uba, Ngoshe, along the Biu-Buratai Road and other parts of Borno State.

CAN said the programme was intended to bring Christians across the state together in prayer and seek divine intervention for those still being held captive.

Akeredolu urged church leaders across the state to mobilise their congregations and ensure participation in the exercise.

He said individual churches were expected to conduct the prayers within their congregations and conclude the programme during their Sunday services on August 16.

The association also called on the Federal and Borno State governments, as well as security agencies, to intensify efforts to rescue all victims still in captivity.

CAN expressed hope that the three-day spiritual exercise would contribute to the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren and other victims.

The latest development comes amid continuing concerns over the security of communities in Borno, where Boko Haram and other armed groups have carried out attacks and abductions over the years.