Borno shuts school, relocates students after insurgent attack

The Borno State Government has temporarily closed and relocated Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, following the abduction of 42 students by suspected insurgents.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Borno State Governor, Dauda Illiya, said the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, announced the decision on Monday during a visit to the community.

“As part of immediate safety measures under the Safe Schools Initiative, the commissioner directed the temporary closure of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, and approved its relocation to Government Secondary School, Uba, where students are expected to continue their education in safer, more secure conditions,” Illiya said.

He added that the visit formed part of the state government’s ongoing response to the incident and followed an earlier sympathy visit by Governor Babagana Zulum on May 19, during which he assured residents of the government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the abducted students.

He said, “Before proceeding to Mussa, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza II, at his palace in Uba.”

He noted that upon arrival in Mussa, the delegation was received by the Commanding Officer of the 115 Battalion, Askira, Lt Col Ishola Olufisola, alongside community leaders and parents of the abducted students.

Addressing parents during an interactive session, Wakilbe conveyed the sympathy and solidarity of the government and people of Borno State, assuring them that intensified efforts were underway to secure the safe rescue of the students.

He reiterated that the Zulum administration remained committed to prioritising the safety and well-being of students across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Ishaku Jidaye commended Zulum for his swift response and continued concern over the incident, while appealing for intensified efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted students.

He said the families of the victims had been facing severe emotional and psychological trauma since the incident occurred.

The delegation also visited the Dille and Lassa communities to reassess the security situation and evaluate safety conditions in public schools within the affected areas.

During the assessment tour, Wakilbe directed that all Safe Schools Initiative measures be fully implemented in the affected schools pending further government directives.

“Highlights of the visit included inspection tours of the ongoing Government Secondary School, Uvu project; the High Islamic College, Uba; the wind-damaged Government Day Secondary School, Rumirgo; and Government Secondary School, Uba, to assess boarding facilities and the overall learning environment for the relocated students,” Illiya said.

According to him, the delegation included the Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Mada Saidu; the Education Secretary of Askira/Uba LGA, Fatsuma Adamu Askira; the Education Secretary of Gwoza LGA, Dr Habila Putaya; the Zonal Director of Education, Uba Zone, Tijjani Saleh Chul; and Luka Apagu.

On May 16, The PUNCH reported that 42 students and pupils were abducted after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, said the abducted victims comprised “four students from the GDSS (two male and two female), 28 pupils from the primary section, while 10 children were abducted from their various residential houses, making a total of 42 persons.”