The Borno State Government has temporarily shut down and relocated Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, following the abduction of 42 students and pupils by suspected insurgents.
The decision was announced by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, during a visit to the affected community on Monday.
The governor’s spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, noting that the visit formed part of the state government’s response to the incident.
The visit followed an earlier condolence and sympathy trip by Babagana Umara Zulum on May 19, during which he assured residents of efforts to secure the release of the abducted students.
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According to Illiya, the delegation first visited the Emir of Uba, Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza II, at his palace before proceeding to Mussa.
In Mussa, officials met with the Commanding Officer of the 115 Battalion, Askira, Lt. Col. Ishola Olufisola, as well as community leaders and parents of the victims.
Addressing residents, Wakilbe conveyed the government’s solidarity and assured families that efforts were being intensified to rescue the students.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to student safety and welfare.
As part of immediate interventions under the Safe Schools Initiative, the commissioner ordered the closure of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, and approved its relocation to Government Secondary School, Uba.
Illiya said the relocation was aimed at allowing students to continue their education in safer conditions.
Speaking on behalf of affected families, Ishaku Jidaye commended Governor Zulum for his swift intervention but appealed for greater efforts to secure the release of the abducted children.
He said relatives of the victims had been facing emotional and psychological distress since the incident.
The delegation also visited Dille and Lassa communities to reassess security conditions and review safety measures in schools within the affected areas.
Wakilbe directed that all Safe Schools Initiative protocols be fully implemented pending further directives.
The team further inspected ongoing projects and educational facilities, including Government Secondary School, Uvu; High Islamic College, Uba; the wind-damaged Government Day Secondary School, Rumirgo; and boarding facilities at Government Secondary School, Uba.
The delegation included Askira/Uba Local Government Chairman, Mada Saidu; Education Secretary of Askira/Uba LGA, Fatsuma Adamu Askira; Education Secretary of Gwoza LGA, Dr. Habila Putaya; Zonal Director of Education, Uba Zone, Tijjani Saleh Chul; and Hon. Luka Apagu.
Suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School on May 16, abducting 42 persons.
According to Ali Ndume, the victims included four students of the Government Day Secondary School, 28 pupils from the primary section and 10 children abducted from nearby homes.
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