The Borno State Government has temporarily shut and relocated Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, following the abduction of 42 students and pupils by suspected insurgents.
The state Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, announced the decision on Monday during a visit to the community.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson for Governor Babagana Zulum, Dauda Illiya.
Illiya said the visit was part of the state government’s response to the abduction.
He noted that the visit followed an earlier sympathy visit by Governor 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 said.
The delegation was received in Mussa 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 of the government and people of Borno State.
He assured them that efforts had been intensified to rescue the abducted students safely.
“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.
Parents Appeal For Rescue
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Ishaku Jidaye commended Zulum for his swift response and concern over the incident.
He appealed for intensified efforts to ensure the immediate release of the abducted students.
Jidaye said families of the victims had been facing severe emotional and psychological trauma since the abduction.
The delegation also visited Dille and Lassa communities to reassess the security situation and evaluate safety conditions in public schools in the affected areas.
Wakilbe directed that all Safe School 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.
The May 16 attack on Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School was carried out by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.
The senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, had said the abducted victims included four students from Government Day Secondary School, 28 pupils from the primary section and 10 children taken from nearby homes.
The delegation included the Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Council, Mada Saidu; Education Secretary of Askira/Uba LGA, Fatsuma Adamu Askira; Education Secretary of Gwoza LGA, Dr Habila Putaya; Zonal Director of Education, Uba Zone, Tijjani Saleh Chul; and Hon. Luka Apagu.