We Demands Rescue of Abducted Children, Warns Nigeria Cannot Ignore Insecurity
The President of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN), Rev Daniel Y. C. Mbaya, PhD has called on the Nigerian government to rescue children abducted in Borno State, saying independence means little to families whose loved ones remain in captivity.
In his Independence Day message marking Nigeria’s 66th anniversary, Rev Mbaya said the country had reasons to celebrate but should not ignore the insecurity and economic hardship affecting millions of Nigerians.
He questioned what freedom meant to families unable to sleep peacefully because of insecurity and to parents who did not know where their children were.
The EYN President made particular reference to children abducted from Mussa and Lassa in Borno State.
He said about 45 children abducted from Mussa on 15 May had spent 139 days away from their families as of 1 October, while 36 students and a teacher abducted from Lassa on 29 June had spent 94 days in captivity.
That means at least 81 children and a teacher remained unaccounted for in the two incidents, according to the figures contained in his statement.
“They are not statistics. They are someone’s sons and daughters,” Rev Mbaya said, urging the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their release.
He acknowledged the work already carried out by security forces but said more needed to be done.
“Every day these children remain in captivity is another day of pain for their families,” he said.
A peace church hit by violence
Rev Mbaya also highlighted the impact of terrorism on EYN, describing it as a historic peace church whose teachings emphasise forgiveness, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
Despite that commitment to peace, he said EYN communities, particularly in north-eastern Nigeria, had suffered heavily from terrorism.
Members have lost relatives, homes and livelihoods, while churches and communities have been attacked and farmers forced from their land, he said.
“It is painful that a people who continue to preach peace should repeatedly become victims of violence,” he said.
The EYN President said the church would continue to preach peace but would not remain silent in the face of injustice.
He called on the government to protect lives and property, describing security as “a fundamental responsibility of government”.
Nigerians, he said, should be able to sleep, travel, farm and send their children to school without fear.
Concern over rising debt
The church leader also raised concerns about Nigeria’s growing public debt.
Citing figures from the Debt Management Office, he said public debt had risen from about ₦97.34 trillion at the end of 2023 to approximately ₦159.35 trillion by 31 March 2026.
He urged the government to be more cautious about further borrowing and said loans should be directed towards productive investments capable of creating jobs, improving infrastructure, supporting agriculture and strengthening education and healthcare.
“We must not solve today’s problems by creating bigger problems for our children tomorrow,” he said.
Call for credible 2027 elections
With Nigeria preparing for the 2027 general elections, Rev Mbaya also urged political leaders, political parties, INEC and security agencies to protect the integrity of the democratic process.
He called for free, fair, transparent and credible elections, saying Nigerians should be able to choose their leaders without intimidation, violence or manipulation.
He also warned politicians against using religion, ethnicity or poverty to divide Nigerians for political gain.
“The people’s votes must count,” he said.
‘Independence must mean security’
Rev Mbaya said independence should not be reduced to ceremonies, speeches and flags.
For ordinary Nigerians, he said, independence should mean being able to live safely, afford basic necessities, access opportunities and trust public institutions.
“Independence must mean security.
“Independence must mean dignity.
“Independence must mean justice.
“Independence must mean economic opportunity.
“And independence must mean a democracy in which the people’s voice truly matters.”
He called on the government to protect citizens, rescue those in captivity, reduce economic hardship, manage public resources responsibly and protect the country’s democracy.
He also urged Nigerians not to give up on the country, calling for peaceful coexistence and lawful democratic participation.
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, the EYN President prayed for peace, justice and security and for the safe return of the children of Mussa and Lassa and all other Nigerians being held in captivity.
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