The Borno State Government has temporarily closed down and relocated the Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, following the abduction of 42 students by suspected insurgents.
A statement on Tuesday by the spokesperson for the state governor, Dauda Illiya, said the state Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, announced the decision on Monday during a visit to the community.
The visit came as part of the Borno State Government’s ongoing response to the incident and followed an earlier sympathy visit by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on May 19, during which he assured residents of the government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the abducted students.
“Before proceeding to Mussa, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Uba, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza II, at his palace in Uba,” the statement read.
While 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, 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 administration remains committed to prioritising the safety and well-being of students across the state.
“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.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mr Ishaku Jidaye commended Governor Zulum for his swift response and continued concern over the incident, while appealing for intensified efforts to ensure the immediate release of the abducted students. He said families of the victims were facing severe emotional and psychological trauma since the unfortunate incident occurred.
The delegation also visited Dille and Lassa communities to reassess the security situation and evaluate safety conditions in public schools within the affected areas. Wakilbe directed that all Safe School Initiative measures be fully implemented in the affected schools pending further government directives.
WUZUP Nigeria earlier 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 on May 16. The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Muhammade Ndume, said the abducted students comprised four students from the secondary school, 28 pupils from the primary section, and 10 children abducted from their residential houses, making a total of 42 persons.
