Government Takes Urgent Action After School Attack
The Borno State Government has temporarily closed Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area after suspected insurgents abducted 42 students.
The state also approved the relocation of the school to Government Secondary School, Uba, to protect students and ensure learning continues in a safer environment.
Governor’s spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
He said the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, announced the decision during a visit to the affected community on Monday.
Visit Follows Governor’s Earlier Assurance
According to Illiya, the visit formed part of the government’s continued response to the abduction.
Earlier, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum had visited the community on May 19 to sympathise with residents and assure them of efforts to secure the release of the abducted students.
Before arriving in Mussa, the delegation visited the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza II, at his palace in Uba.
Afterward, the team moved to Mussa, where the Commanding Officer of the 115 Battalion, Askira, Lt. Col. Ishola Olufisola, community leaders, and parents of the abducted students received them.
Government Assures Parents of Rescue Efforts
During an interactive session with parents, Wakilbe expressed the sympathy and solidarity of the Borno State Government.
He assured families that security agencies had intensified efforts to rescue the abducted students safely.
In addition, he said Governor Zulum’s administration remains focused on protecting students and improving safety across schools in the state.
School Relocated Under Safe Schools Initiative
As part of immediate safety measures, Wakilbe ordered the temporary closure of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa.
He also approved the relocation of students to Government Secondary School, Uba.
Therefore, students will continue their education in a more secure location under the Safe Schools Initiative.
Furthermore, Wakilbe directed authorities to fully implement all Safe School Initiative measures in affected schools until further notice.
Parents Seek Quick Rescue of Victims
Speaking for the parents, Mr. Ishaku Jidaye praised Governor Zulum for his swift response and concern over the incident.
However, he urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts for the immediate release of the abducted students.
He explained that families of the victims continue to face emotional and psychological trauma following the attack.
Government Reviews Security in Nearby Communities
The delegation also visited Dille and Lassa communities to review the security situation and inspect safety conditions in public schools.
During the tour, officials assessed ongoing projects and learning facilities in several schools.
These included Government Secondary School, Uvu, High Islamic College in Uba, the wind-damaged Government Day Secondary School in Rumirgo, and Government Secondary School, Uba.
The inspection focused on boarding facilities and the general learning environment for relocated students.
Officials Join Assessment Tour
The delegation included the Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Council, Mada Saidu.
Others included the Education Secretary of Askira/Uba LGA, Fatsuma Adamu Askira, the Education Secretary of Gwoza LGA, Dr. Habila Putaya, Zonal Director of Education, Uba Zone, Tijjani Saleh Chul, and Hon. Luka Apagu.
42 Students Abducted in Earlier Attack
On May 16, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area.
During the attack, they abducted 42 students and pupils.
Senator Muhammade Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, said the victims included four secondary school students.
He added that 28 pupils came from the primary section, while 10 children were taken from nearby residential homes.
As a result, the total number of abducted persons rose to 42.
