The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State has declared three days of fasting and prayer for the safe release of 78 schoolchildren abducted by Boko Haram terrorists in Askira-Uba Local Government Area.
The prayer programme will also focus on the release of 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.
The exercise, titled **“A Call for Three Days Fasting and Prayers for the Safe Return of Our Kidnapped Brethren,”** will begin 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 spent more than two months in captivity, prompting the state leadership to call on Christians across Borno to join in prayers for their safe return.
According to the statement, the programme was declared under the leadership of the state CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Dr. John Bogna Bakeni, for kidnapped Christians and other victims in Mussa and Lassa in Askira-Uba, Ngoshe, the Biu-Buratai Road and other parts of the state.
Akeredolu urged church leaders to mobilise their congregations for the three-day exercise. He said each church should conduct the prayers within its congregation and conclude the programme during Sunday worship services.
CAN also appealed to the Federal Government, Borno State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue all victims still being held by their abductors.
The association said it remained hopeful that the prayers, alongside ongoing security efforts, would contribute to the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren and other victims.
