The government of Borno State has shut down and relocated Government Day Secondary School in Mussa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area, after suspected Boko Haram fighters abducted 42 students from the area.
The decision was announced on Monday by the state Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, during a visit to the affected community.
According to a statement released by the spokesperson to Governor Babagana Zulum, Dauda Illiya, the temporary relocation is part of the state’s Safe Schools Initiative aimed at protecting students and preventing further attacks on schools.
Authorities said the displaced students will now continue their education at Government Secondary School in Uba while security measures are strengthened.
During the visit, Wakilbe met with parents of the kidnapped students, community leaders, and military officers, including Lt. Col. Ishola Olufisola, the Commanding Officer of the 115 Battalion in Askira.
The commissioner assured residents that the government and security agencies were working hard to secure the release of the abducted students and improve safety around schools across the state.
Speaking on behalf of affected families, community representative Ishaku Jidaye praised Governor Zulum for responding quickly to the incident but appealed for stronger rescue efforts to bring the students home safely.
The government delegation also visited nearby Dille and Lassa communities to inspect security conditions in public schools and ordered the immediate implementation of stricter Safe School measures in vulnerable areas.
The abduction happened on May 16 when suspected insurgents attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area.