Dare Babalola
The Borno State Government has announced the temporary shutdown and relocation of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area following the abduction of 42 students by suspected insurgents.
The decision was conveyed on Monday during an official visit to the affected community, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson to the state governor, Dauda Illiya.
The visit was led by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe.
The delegation’s visit formed part of ongoing government interventions after Governor Babagana Umara Zulum had earlier visited the community on May 19, where he assured residents that efforts were underway to secure the release of the abducted students.
Before proceeding to Mussa, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza II, at his palace.
At Mussa, officials met with military personnel from the 115 Battalion in Askira, alongside community leaders and parents of the abducted children, in a session focused on security updates and government response efforts.
Wakilbe conveyed the state government’s sympathy to families affected by the attack and reiterated assurances that search-and-rescue operations were ongoing to ensure the safe return of the students.
He reaffirmed that the administration of Governor Zulum remains committed to safeguarding students and strengthening security across learning institutions in the state.
As part of immediate measures under the Safe Schools Initiative, the government ordered the closure of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, and approved its relocation to Government Secondary School, Uba, where students will continue their education under improved security arrangements.
The government also directed full implementation of Safe Schools protocols across affected areas while further assessments are carried out.
The delegation, according to Illiya, also inspected several facilities, including the ongoing Government Secondary School Uvu project, High Islamic College Uba, the wind-damaged Government Day Secondary School Rumirgo, and Government Secondary School Uba to evaluate readiness for hosting relocated students.
Parents of the victims, speaking through Ishaku Jidaye, expressed appreciation for the government’s swift response while urging intensified efforts to rescue the abducted children. He said the incident had left families in severe emotional distress.
The inspection team included local government officials, education authorities, and traditional representatives from Askira/Uba and Gwoza areas, among others.
The abduction occurred on May 16 when suspected Boko Haram militants attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School. According to Senator Muhammade Ndume, the victims include four students from the secondary section, 28 pupils from the primary school, and 10 children taken from nearby residences, bringing the total to 42.
