Borno Shuts Mussa School After 42 Schoolchildren Abduction, Orders Relocation

The Borno State government has temporarily shut down Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School after Boko Haram terrorists abducted 42 schoolchildren and ordered the relocation of students and pupils to safer facilities.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the Boko Haram terrorists stormed the school in Mussa, Askira-Uba LGA, around the morning hours of Friday, 15 May 2026, while classes were ongoing.

According to Senator Ali Ndume, Senator representing Southern Borno, 32 students and pupils were taken from the school, and another 10 were seized from nearby homes.

Following the incident, the state government ordered the immediate closure of the school and directed that students and pupils be moved to other schools in safer areas within the LGA.

This is the first school abduction by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State since the 2014 Chibok abduction.

As part of immediate safety measures under the Safe Schools Initiative, the State’s Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, on Monday directed the temporary closure of the 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.

Wakilbe led a state government delegation to the Mussa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area following the abduction of the 42 students by suspected insurgents on Friday, 15 May 2026.

The visit came as part of the Borno State Government’s ongoing response to the incident and followed an earlier sympathy visit by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on 19 May, 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.

In Mussa, the delegation was received by the Commanding Officer of the 115 Battalion, Askira, Lt. Col. Ishola Olufisola, alongside community leaders and parents of the abducted students.

Addressing parents during an interactive session, Engr. Wakilbe conveyed the Government and people of Borno State’s sympathy and solidarity, assuring them that intensified efforts were underway to secure the safe rescue of the students.

He reiterated that the administration of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum remains committed to prioritising the safety and well-being of students across the State.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mr Ishaku Jidaye commended Governor Zulum for his swift response and continued concern over the incident, while appealing for intensified efforts to ensure the immediate release of the abducted students.

He said families of the victims were facing severe emotional and psychological trauma since the unfortunate incident occurred.

The delegation also visited Dille and Lassa communities to reassess the security situation and evaluate safety conditions in public schools within the affected areas.

During the assessment tour, Engr. Wakilbe directed that all Safe School Initiative measures be fully implemented in the affected schools pending further government directives.

Highlights of the visit included inspection tours of the ongoing Government Secondary School, Uvu project; the High Islamic College, Uba; the wind-damaged Government Day Secondary School, Rumirgo; and Government Secondary School, Uba, to assess boarding facilities and the overall learning environment for the relocated students.

The delegation included the 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.