Suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have abducted 42 schoolchildren in Borno State, North-East Nigeria. The attackers stormed Mussa Primary and Junior Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, during early morning lessons on Friday.
Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, confirmed the abductions, citing information he received from school authorities. He said four students were taken from the secondary school section, 28 pupils from the primary school and 10 other children from nearby residential houses, bringing the total to 42 victims.
Local sources said the terrorists rode into the community on about 18 motorcycles, with roughly three armed men on each bike. They reportedly opened fire on arrival, causing panic as pupils and teachers fled in different directions before the gunmen forced their way into the school premises and nearby homes.
Residents and community leaders have criticised the security response, noting that the school is located opposite a military camp. One source told reporters that soldiers allegedly withdrew when the shooting started, leaving teachers and children exposed to the attackers.
The latest abduction has revived painful memories of previous mass kidnappings in Borno, including the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction. Mussa lies on the eastern fringe of the Sambisa Forest, a long-time stronghold of insurgents who continue to target soft civilian and educational facilities despite ongoing military operations.
Ndume has appealed to the Nigerian military and security agencies, particularly Operation Hadin Kai ground troops, to intensify search and rescue efforts. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have also called on authorities to urgently secure the children’s release and strengthen protection for schools across the region.
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