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 abduction of 42 students and pupils by suspected insurgents.
The Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, announced the decision on Monday during a visit to the affected community.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson to Governor Babagana Zulum, Dauda Illiya, the visit formed part of the government’s response to the recent attack on the school.
Illiya explained that the delegation’s engagement followed Governor Zulum’s earlier sympathy visit to the community on May 19, during which he assured residents of intensified efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted children.
Before arriving in Mussa, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Uba, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza II, at his palace.
The team was later received in Mussa by the Commanding Officer of the 115 Battalion in Askira, Lt. Col. Ishola Olufisola, alongside community leaders and parents of the victims.
Wakilbe, while addressing parents, conveyed the government’s sympathy and reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted students.
As part of urgent safety measures under the Safe Schools Initiative, he directed the immediate closure of the school and approved its relocation to Government Secondary School, Uba, where students will continue their education in a more secure environment.
Parents of the abducted children, speaking through Ishaku Jidaye, praised the governor’s swift response but urged authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of their children. He said families have been experiencing severe emotional trauma since the incident.
The delegation also visited Dille and Lassa communities to reassess the security situation and evaluate the safety of schools in the area. Officials inspected several education facilities, including ongoing projects and existing secondary schools, to ensure readiness for the relocated students.
Wakilbe further directed full implementation of Safe School Initiative protocols in all affected schools pending further government directives.
The attack on Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School on May 16 was reportedly carried out by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, said the abducted victims include four secondary school students, 28 primary school pupils, and 10 children taken from nearby homes.
The government delegation included the Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Council, Mada Saidu, education officials, and other stakeholders involved in the assessment and response efforts.
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