Borno govt shut down, relocates school after students’ abduction

The Borno State Government has announced the temporary closure of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, and approved its relocation to Government Secondary School, Uba in safer, more secure conditions.

Lawan Abba Wakilbe, the State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation on Monday, led a state government delegation to the Mussa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area following the abduction of 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 Zulum on 19 May, during which he assured residents of the government’s commitment to securing the safe return of the abducted students.

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, Wakilbe conveyed the sympathy and solidarity of the government and people of Borno State, assuring them that intensified efforts were underway to secure the safe rescue of the students.

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

“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.”he said.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Ishaku Jidaye commended 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, Wakilbe directed that all Safe School Initiative measures be fully implemented in the affected schools pending further government directives.