Borno Shuts Mussa School, Relocates Students After Abduction of 42 Pupils

The Borno State Government has ordered the temporary closure of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Borno State’s Askira/Uba Local Government Area following the abduction of 42 students and pupils by suspected insurgents.

The decision was announced on Monday by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, during a visit to the affected community. It was later confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson to Governor Babagana Zulum, Dauda Illiya.

According to the statement, the government delegation’s visit was part of ongoing efforts to respond to the May 16 attack on the school in Mussa community.

Governor Zulum had earlier visited the area on May 19, where he assured residents that efforts were underway to secure the safe rescue of the abducted students.

Before arriving in Mussa, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza II, at his palace.

Security officials, including the Commanding Officer of the 115 Battalion in Askira, Lt. Col. Ishola Olufisola, community leaders, and parents of the victims received the delegation in Mussa.

Wakilbe conveyed the government’s sympathy and reassured families that rescue operations had been intensified to secure the students’ release.

As part of emergency safety measures under the Safe Schools Initiative, he directed the immediate closure of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, and approved its relocation to Government Secondary School, Uba, in Askira/Uba, where students will continue their education in a more secure environment.

Parents of the abducted students, speaking through Ishaku Jidaye, praised Governor Zulum’s swift response but urged authorities to step up efforts for the immediate release of the victims. He said families were experiencing severe emotional distress since the incident.

The delegation also visited nearby Dille and Lassa communities to assess security conditions and evaluate the safety of public schools in the area. Officials inspected ongoing and existing school facilities, including Government Secondary School, Uba, and other education infrastructure projects to ensure readiness for the relocated students.

Wakilbe further directed full implementation of Safe School Initiative protocols across all affected institutions pending further government directives.

The attack on Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School was reportedly carried out by suspected members of Boko Haram. According to Senator Ali Ndume, the victims include four secondary school students, 28 primary pupils, and 10 children taken from nearby homes.

Government officials accompanying the delegation included the Chairman of Askira/Uba LGA, Mada Saidu, education administrators, and zonal education directors.