We won’t suspend NECO exams despite Borno school abduction – Tar

The Borno State Government has stated that terrorists often exploit minor lapses to carry out attacks, assuring that the ongoing examinations will not be suspended following the abduction of schoolchildren taking the National Examinations Council (NECO) in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on Monday.

BusinessDay had reported how terrorists invaded and kidnapped an unspecified number of students and women during a biology examination at Lassa Day Secondary School on Monday.

However, later, 10 individuals escaped and were rescued by combined security forces, including the Army, Police, and local volunteers.

Usman Tar, the state’s Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, conveyed this in an interview with ABC Hausa, monitored by our Correspondent in Maiduguri, on Tuesday.

He emphasised that the ‘safe schools’ initiative remains effective despite the recent abductions in the southern part of the state.

In response to a question about whether there were security personnel on the school premises at the time of the attack,

He stated there are security personnel, including soldiers, police, and civilian JTF, operating under the ‘Safe Schools’ programme.

“We have security forces deployed to protect schools, but what happens is that the terrorists are monitoring soldier movements, especially during shift changes, or perhaps the soldiers arrived late to take over, which is when the attackers seize the opportunity and wrecked havoc on communities.

“Yes, other schools are relatively secure, and examinations will continue. The state government is actively working to address the situation.

“I can tell you that our security of lives and property has improved, but these minor setbacks are surmountable. Inshallah, we will overcome these challenges. The examinations will proceed,” he assured.

He further remarked that, “Yes, it was not long ago they went to Mussa and now Lassa, where they abducted schoolchildren. Fortunately, the soldiers intercepted them and recovered seven students, while others remain in the bush as the military continues efforts to rescue them all,” Tar disclosed.

This follows a report of 42 students and pupils abducted from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, 45 days ago, and who are yet to be released.