The Borno State Government has ordered the temporary closure and relocation of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area following the shocking abduction of dozens of students by suspected terrorists. The decision came amid growing fear and outrage over the continued attacks on schools in northern Nigeria and the worsening insecurity threatening education in conflict-prone communities. Â
According to reports, suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents stormed the school community during early morning hours and abducted 42 pupils and students, throwing residents into panic as families desperately searched for their missing children. The attack reportedly occurred during school activities, with some children also taken from nearby homes during the raid.
In response to the incident, the Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, announced the immediate shutdown of the school during a government delegation visit to the affected community. Authorities confirmed that students of the affected school would now be relocated to Government Secondary School, Uba, where they are expected to continue their education under tighter security arrangements. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The state government explained that the decision was taken under the Safe Schools Initiative, a programme aimed at protecting students and educational institutions from terrorist attacks and kidnappings. Officials stated that the relocation became necessary to prevent further attacks and reassure frightened parents and residents who fear that schools in remote communities have become vulnerable targets for insurgents.
Governor Babagana Zulum had earlier visited the community to sympathise with affected families and assure residents that the government was working closely with security agencies to secure the safe return of the abducted children. During the visit, the governor reportedly reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting education despite the persistent security challenges facing the state.
The latest attack has once again revived painful memories of previous mass abductions carried out by terrorist groups targeting schools in northern Nigeria. Security experts and education advocates have warned that repeated attacks on schools could worsen the already alarming number of out-of-school children in the region, while also discouraging parents from sending their children to school due to safety fears.
Lawmakers and national leaders have also reacted strongly to the growing trend of school abductions. The Nigerian Senate recently condemned the kidnapping of students in both Borno and Oyo states, describing the attacks as a serious threat to national security and the future of education in the country. Some lawmakers argued that the incidents further strengthen the call for state policing and stronger local security structures capable of responding quickly to threats in vulnerable communities.
Residents of Askira/Uba and surrounding communities remain deeply anxious as efforts continue to rescue the abducted students. Many families have appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies not to abandon the victims, insisting that urgent action is needed to stop terrorists from turning schools into centres of fear and tragedy across northern Nigeria.
