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.
CAN said the programme would also seek 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 programme, 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 by the Borno CAN Secretary, Senior Apostle Joshua Akeredolu Michael, which said the 78 schoolchildren had remained in captivity for more than two months.
According to the statement, the state CAN leadership, under Most Rev. Dr. John Bogna Bakeni, declared the programme for kidnapped Christians and other victims in Mussa, Lassa in Askira-Uba, Ngoshe, the Biu-Buratai Road and other parts of the state.
CAN said the call was aimed at enabling Christians across the state to seek divine intervention for the release of the victims still in captivity.
Akeredolu urged church leaders to encourage their congregations to participate in the exercise, with each church expected to hold the prayers in its respective congregation and conclude the programme during Sunday services.
CAN also called on the Federal and Borno State governments and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of all kidnapped victims in the state.
The association expressed hope that the exercise would lead to the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren and other victims still in captivity.
Borno CAN declares three-day fasting, prayer for 78 abducted schoolchildren