Suspected members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have attacked a secondary school in Borno State, abducting an unspecified number of students who were sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination.
The attack occurred on Monday morning at Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area, triggering panic among students, teachers and residents, The News Edition reports.
Gunmen Invade School During Examination
According to reports, the terrorists stormed the school at about 9:00 a.m., firing sporadically into the air before whisking away several students into nearby bush paths.
The assault disrupted the ongoing NECO examination as students and school staff fled for safety amid the confusion.
Witnesses said the attackers arrived unexpectedly and quickly took control of the area, creating fear and uncertainty among those present.
Teacher Reportedly Killed, Another Injured
Sources within the community disclosed that a teacher lost his life during the attack, while another sustained injuries.
However, authorities are yet to officially confirm the number of casualties linked to the incident.
The latest attack has heightened concerns about the vulnerability of schools in parts of northeastern Nigeria that continue to face security threats from insurgent groups.
Police Confirm Student Abduction
Confirming the incident, Borno State Police Command spokesperson, , said several students remain missing following the attack.
“At about 9 a.m., an unspecified number of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists attacked a secondary school and shot sporadically into the air. During the attack, an unspecified number of students were abducted, while some are still missing,” Daso stated.
He added that security agencies were still verifying reports concerning fatalities and the exact number of victims affected by the attack.
Security Forces Launch Rescue Mission
Following the incident, security agencies commenced a coordinated search-and-rescue operation to locate the abducted students and apprehend those responsible.
The operation involves personnel from the Nigerian military, the Borno State Police Command, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and security operatives under the Askira/Uba Area Command.
Police authorities said security teams have been deployed across forests and surrounding communities as efforts intensify to rescue the victims and restore calm to the area.
Fresh Concerns Over School Security in Northeast
The abduction has once again drawn attention to the security challenges facing schools in Nigeria’s Northeast, where insurgent groups have repeatedly targeted students, teachers and educational institutions.
Over the years, attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP have disrupted academic activities, forced school closures and left thousands of children without access to education.
Security analysts and education stakeholders have continued to advocate stronger protection measures for schools, particularly during national examinations and other major academic activities.
The latest incident underscores the persistent security challenges confronting communities in Borno State despite ongoing counterinsurgency operations in the region.