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 of the state.
The programme, scheduled for August 14 to 16, will also include prayers for other victims abducted in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area, and along the Biu Buratai Road while travelling to Maiduguri in April.
In a statement, the Borno CAN Secretary, Senior Apostle Joshua Akeredolu Michael, said the 78 schoolchildren had spent more than two months in captivity.
He said the state CAN leadership, under the chairmanship of Most Rev. Dr. John Bogna Bakeni, declared the fasting and prayer exercise to seek divine intervention for the release of the abducted victims still in captivity.
The association urged church leaders across the state to encourage their congregations to participate in the exercise and conclude the programme during Sunday services.
CAN also called on the Federal and Borno State governments, as well as security agencies, to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and secure the release of all other persons still being held captive.
