Boko Haram Attack in Borno: Schoolchildren Feared Abducted in Early Morning Raid
A group of armed Boko Haram insurgents stormed a primary and junior secondary school in Mussa village, Borno State, on Friday morning, leaving an unknown number of students missing and feared abducted.
The attack occurred in Askira-Uba Local Government Area, a remote region bordering the notorious Sambisa Forest—a known stronghold for terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and its offshoot, ISWAP.
Attack Follows Military Patrol
Eyewitnesses reported that the terrorists arrived on motorcycles just minutes after Nigerian troops had left the area. The timing suggests the militants may have been monitoring military movements before launching the assault.
Many students reportedly fled into nearby bushes during the chaos, but the exact number of missing children remains unclear. Authorities are still working to determine how many were taken.
Officials Confirm Attack, Details Remain Scarce
Borno State Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Askira, who represents Askira-Uba, confirmed the incident but admitted that details were still emerging.
“Yes, I can confirm that suspected terrorists attacked primary and junior secondary schools in Mussa village this morning,” he said. “Many students escaped into the bush, but we don’t yet know how many were abducted.”
He expressed frustration over the attack’s timing, noting that it happened shortly after security forces had left the area. “This suggests the attackers were watching troop movements before striking,” he added.
Community Calls for Prayers Amid Rising Fear
Local resident Solomon Mussa took to social media to call for prayers, writing: “Good morning, beloved. Please pray for Mussa village—Boko Haram has attacked, and schoolchildren are affected.”
The incident has heightened fears in the region, where kidnappings and violent attacks by insurgent groups remain a persistent threat.
Authorities Yet to Release Official Statement
Efforts to reach Borno State Police Public Relations Officer ASP Keneth Daso for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
As the situation develops, families anxiously await updates on the missing children while security forces intensify efforts to locate them.
— Reported by Nexio News
