The Borno State Government has temporarily shut and relocated Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, following the abduction of 42 students and pupils by suspected insurgents.
Newsextra24 reports that the state Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, announced the decision on Monday during a visit to the community.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson for Governor Babagana Zulum, Dauda Illiya.
Illiya said the visit was part of the state government’s response to the abduction.
He noted that the visit followed an earlier sympathy visit by Governor Zulum on May 19, during which he assured residents of the government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the abducted students.
“Before proceeding to Mussa, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Uba, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza II, at his palace in Uba,” the statement said.
The delegation was received in Mussa by the Commanding Officer of the 115 Battalion, Askira, Lt. Col. Ishola Olufisola, alongside community leaders and parents of the abducted students.
Addressing parents, Wakilbe conveyed the sympathy of the government and people of Borno State.
He assured them that efforts had been intensified to rescue the abducted students safely.
“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,” Illiya said.
