By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Borno State Government has ordered the temporary relocation of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area following the abduction of 42 students by suspected insurgents.
The directive was announced on Monday when the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, led a government delegation on a sympathy visit to the Mussa community in response to the incident, which occurred on May 15, 2026.
The visit formed part of ongoing government interventions following the abduction and came days after Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the community to assure residents of efforts being made to secure the safe return of the students.
Before arriving in Mussa, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza II, at his palace in Uba.
At 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.
Addressing parents during an interactive session, Wakilbe conveyed the sympathy of the state government and reassured families that intensified security and rescue efforts were ongoing to ensure the safe return of the victims.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Zulum administration to safeguarding the lives and welfare of students across the state.
As part of immediate measures under the Safe Schools Initiative, the commissioner directed the temporary closure of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, and approved the relocation of students to Government Secondary School, Uba, where academic activities are expected to continue under improved security conditions.
Speaking on behalf of affected families, Mr. Ishaku Jidaye commended Governor Zulum for his prompt intervention and continued concern over the incident, while appealing for stronger efforts toward the immediate rescue of the abducted students.
According to him, families of the victims have continued to experience severe emotional and psychological distress since the abduction.
The delegation also visited Dille and Lassa communities to reassess the security situation and evaluate safety measures in public schools within the affected areas.
During the inspection, Wakilbe directed that all Safe School Initiative protocols be fully implemented in schools across the affected communities pending further directives from the government.
The visit also featured inspections of ongoing projects and school facilities, including Government Secondary School, Uvu; High Islamic College, Uba; the windstorm-damaged Government Day Secondary School, Rumirgo; and Government Secondary School, Uba, where facilities for relocated students were assessed.
Members of the delegation included Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Council, Hon. 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.
