Dozens of Students Missing After Armed Attack on Borno School as Community Protests
A security incident at a secondary school in Lassa, located in Borno State’s Askira-Uba Local Government Area, has left dozens of students missing and sparked unrest within the community.
The attack took place during an ongoing examination, when armed assailants reportedly invaded the school, killing two teachers and taking an unspecified number of students. In the aftermath, families began identifying those unaccounted for, with reports indicating that at least 36 students remain missing.
Tensions rose when a government delegation visited the area to express sympathy and assess the situation. The visit was met with strong resistance from residents, particularly youths and affected families, who demanded urgent action to secure the release of the abducted students rather than official engagements.
Parents and community members have expressed deep concern over the fate of their children, describing ongoing distress and uncertainty since the incident. Some residents also noted initial confusion surrounding rescue updates before confirmation that many students were still unaccounted for.
Security agencies have launched search operations, with some individuals reportedly rescued. Authorities, however, stated that efforts are continuing to locate the remaining victims and determine the full scope of the abduction.
In response, the Borno State Government has temporarily shut down schools in Lassa and nearby communities as a precautionary measure. Students currently writing examinations are to be relocated to alternative locations considered safer.
The incident shows persistent security challenges in parts of northeastern Nigeria and reflects wider concerns across Africa about the vulnerability of educational institutions in conflict-affected regions. Officials have pledged to intensify efforts to improve school safety and ensure the safe return of those still missing.
