Borno state governor Babagana Zulum has dispatched a high-powered delegation to Lassa in Askira/Uba local government area, following Monday’s insurgent attack on Government Day Secondary School which left 39 students and teachers missing.
The delegation, led by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, visited the community to sympathise with victims and assess the situation.
During a meeting with parents of the affected students, the delegation conveyed Governor Zulum’s condolences and assured them that the state government was working closely with security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders to secure the safe return of the missing students and teachers.
As part of immediate measures, the delegation held an emergency stakeholders’ meeting involving education officials, security representatives and the Chairman of Askira/Uba LGA.
At the meeting, stakeholders resolved to temporarily shut down schools in Lassa, Dille and Chul communities as a precautionary measure to safeguard students and staff. However, students currently sitting for public examinations will be relocated to Government Secondary School, Uba, to ensure their examinations continue without disruption.
Chairman of Askira/Uba local government area, Mada Saidu, presented a situation report indicating that 39 persons were affected in the attack, including three teachers and 36 students. According to the report, the missing students comprise 25 females and 11 males drawn from Senior Secondary School I, II and III.
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Uba, Aliyu Ibn-Sama’ila Mamza, where they briefed him on steps being taken by the government in response to the incident.
The Borno State government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security around schools, supporting affected families and ensuring the safe return of all those still unaccounted for.
