The Anambra State Government yesterday announced the cancellation of the match past by school children scheduled to take place today to mark the annual Children’s Day celebration. The state government said it took the decision in solidarity with the students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, held by Boko Haram insurgents since April 14.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Chief Tony Onyima, disclosed that churches in the state were earlier requested to conduct prayer sessions for the release of the girls.

The statement reads: “His Excellency, Chief (Dr.) Willie Obiano, the Governor of Anambra State, has directed that this year’s Children’s Day in the State scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2014, would be celebrated in a sombre manner.

“This directive has become necessary as a mark of solidarity with the over 200 female students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, abducted by the Boko Haram Sect last month.

“Consequently, the usual match past lined up as part of activities to mark the day would not hold anywhere in the state. Headmasters and headmistresses of primary schools and Principals of secondary schools in the state, either private, public or mission owned, are by this announcement directed to hold prayer sessions in their schools for the urgent release of the girls.”