Fresh accounts from parents and community leaders in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, have revealed that 51 children are now feared missing following Friday’s terrorist attack on the community.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the attack, reportedly carried out by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents, targeted schools and homes in the village.
According to Premium Times, a verified register obtained from the Mussa Ward councillor, Peter Wabba, initially listed 40 missing children by name, age and family background, but subsequent checks by community leaders put the figure at 51.
Parents said most of the missing children are nursery and lower primary school pupils.
A resident, Bukar Buba, whose six-year-old daughter is among the victims, said only four of the abducted children are 15 years or older.
“Among the 51 missing children, only four are 15 years or older. Most are very young children, many under six,” he said.
Community sources added that some of the victims are toddlers.
Residents alleged that the attackers struck less than 30 minutes after military reinforcements departed the community.
“There’s another set of soldiers from Askira-Uba that usually comes to support their colleagues here in Mussa.
“The soldiers left between 7:15 a.m to 8 a.m., and not quite 30 minutes later, the terrorists came,” Bukar said.
Another parent, Chinda Buba, said the attackers stormed the school shortly after soldiers left.
“They came straight to the school, chased the pupils out, and the children scattered everywhere,” he said.
According to him, older pupils escaped while the younger children were rounded up.
“They started picking the little children and loading them onto motorcycles,” he added.
Families Demand Rescue
Residents said the attackers arrived on about 18 motorcycles and completed the operation in less than 30 minutes.
Parents described widespread grief in the community, with many families traumatised by the abduction.
“She is trying to cope, but it is very difficult,” Chinda said while speaking about his wife’s condition after their daughter’s abduction.
Affected families appealed to the Federal Government, Borno State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.
“We just want our children back home safely,” one parent pleaded.
See the list of the abducted students below:
1. Adams
2. Musa
3. Grace
4. Rejoice
5. Mommy
6. Hezekiah
7. Haruna
8. Hanatu
9. Emma
10. Wadzani
11. Amos
12. Musa
13. Jagula
14. Omega
15. Alheri
16. Saratu (“Baby”)
17. Ribecah
18. Halita
19. Joy
20. Japari
21. Apagu
22. Ummy
23. Grace
24. Luka
According to Premium Times, the names of some of the kidnapped students were withheld.