ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-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 by suspected insurgents.
A statement on Tuesday by the spokesperson to the state governor, Dauda Illiya, said the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, announced the decision on Monday during a visit to the affected community.
The visit, according to him, was part of the state government’s ongoing response to the abduction and followed Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s earlier sympathy visit on May 19, during which he assured residents of efforts to secure the students’ release.
READ ALSO:Obi Condemns Abduction Of Schoolchildren In Borno, Oyo Attacks
He said, “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.”
He added that in Mussa, the delegation met with the Commanding Officer of the 115 Battalion, Askira, Lt. Col. Ishola Olufisola, alongside community leaders and parents of the abducted students.
Addressing parents during an interactive session, Wakilbe conveyed the government’s sympathy and assured them that intensified efforts were ongoing to secure the safe rescue of the abducted students.
He reiterated that the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum remains committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of students across the state.
“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.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mr. Ishaku Jidaye commended Governor Zulum for his swift response and concern over the incident, while appealing for intensified efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted students.
He said families of the victims had been experiencing severe emotional and psychological trauma since the incident occurred.
The delegation also visited Dille and Lassa communities to assess the security situation and evaluate safety conditions in schools within the affected areas.
During the visit, Wakilbe directed the full implementation of Safe Schools Initiative measures in all affected institutions 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 delegation included the Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Council, Mada Saidu; the Education Secretary of Askira/Uba LGA, Fatsuma Adamu Askira; the Education Secretary of Gwoza LGA, Dr. Habila Putaya; the Zonal Director of Education, Uba Zone, Tijjani Saleh Chul; and Hon. Luka Apagu.
On May 16, it was reported that 42 students and pupils were abducted after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba LGA.
The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Muhammadu Ndume, said the victims included “four (4) students from the GDSS (two male and two female), 28 pupils were abducted from the primary section, while 10 children were abducted from their various residential houses, making a total of 42 persons.”