By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Borno State Government has temporarily closed down and relocated the Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, where 42 students were abducted by suspected insurgents.
The spokesperson for the state governor, Dauda Illiya, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, May 26.
Illiya said the state Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, announced the decision on Monday during a visit to the community.
According to the statement, the visit was part of the Borno State Government’s ongoing response to the incident and followed an earlier sympathy visit by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on May 19, during which he assured residents of the government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the abducted students.
“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,” the statement read.
The statement added that before proceeding to Mussa, the delegation, led by the commissioner, paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Uba, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza II, at his palace in Uba.
It noted that while in Mussa, the delegation was received by the Commanding Officer of the 115 Battalion, Askira, Lieutenant Colonel Ishola Olufisola, alongside community leaders and parents of the abducted students.
Wakilbe, while addressing parents during an interactive session, conveyed the sympathy and solidarity of the government and people of Borno State, assuring them that efforts have been intensified to secure the safe rescue of the students.
He reiterated that the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum remains committed to prioritising the safety and well-being of students across the state.
Ishaku Jidaye, who spoke on behalf of the parents of the abducted students, commended Governor Zulum for his swift response and continued concern over the incident while appealing for intensified efforts to ensure the immediate release of the abducted students.
Jidaye said families of the victims were facing severe emotional and psychological trauma since the unfortunate incident occurred.
The delegation also visited Dille and Lassa communities to reassess the security situation and evaluate safety conditions in public schools within the affected areas.
During the assessment tour, 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.
According to the statement, 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.
Recall that 42 pupils and students were abducted after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on May 15.
The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Mohammad Ali Ndume, said the abducted students comprise “four (4) students from the GDSS (two male and two female) and 28 pupils were abducted from the primary section, while 10 children were abducted from their various residential houses, making a total of 42 persons.”
