Suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have attacked a secondary school in Borno State, abducting an unspecified number of students who were sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination.
The attack occurred on Monday morning at Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, causing panic among students, teachers and residents.
Gunmen Storm School During NECO Examination
According to reports, the armed attackers invaded the school at about 9:00 a.m., firing sporadically into the air before forcefully taking away an unknown number of students into nearby bush areas.
The incident disrupted the ongoing NECO examination and left many students and staff scrambling for safety.
Witnesses said the attackers arrived suddenly and overwhelmed the area, creating confusion and fear among those present.
Teacher Killed, Another Injured
Sources disclosed that a teacher was killed during the attack, while another sustained injuries.
However, security authorities have not yet officially confirmed the number of casualties resulting from the incident.
The attack adds to growing concerns about the security of schools and educational institutions in parts of northeastern Nigeria affected by insurgency.
Police Confirm Abduction of Students
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said several students remain unaccounted for following the attack.
“At about 9 a.m., an unspecified number of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists attacked a secondary school and shot sporadically into the air. During the attack, an unspecified number of students were abducted, while some are still missing,” Daso said.
He added that authorities were still working to verify reports regarding fatalities and the exact number of victims.
Security Forces Launch Rescue Operation
Following the attack, security agencies launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission to locate the abducted students and track down the perpetrators.
The operation involves personnel from Nigerian military, Borno State Police Command, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and Security operatives under the Askira/Uba Area Command.
According to police authorities, security teams are currently combing forests and surrounding communities in an effort to rescue the victims and restore normalcy to the area.
Renewed Concerns Over School Security
The latest abduction has renewed concerns about the safety of students and educational facilities in conflict-prone areas of northeastern Nigeria.
Over the years, insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP have repeatedly targeted schools, students and teachers, disrupting education and forcing thousands of children out of classrooms.
Security experts have continued to call for stronger protection measures around schools, particularly during major national examinations and academic activities.
