The Borno State Police Command has deployed security operatives to Lassa community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area following the abduction of an unspecified number of students sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations during an attack by suspected terrorists.
The deployment came after armed assailants invaded Lassa Day Secondary School on Monday morning, disrupting the ongoing examination and abducting students, alongside several women who were selling food within the school premises.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over the safety of schools in Borno State, particularly in rural communities that continue to face threats from insurgent groups despite sustained military operations across the North-East.
It had earlier been reported that the attackers stormed the school at about 9 a.m., firing sporadically to create panic before whisking away an unspecified number of students and other civilians.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, said security operatives responded promptly after receiving reports of the attack and engaged the terrorists in a confrontation that prevented what could have been a much larger abduction.
According to Daso, the attackers, believed to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), launched the assault while students were writing the NECO examinations.
“Around 9 a.m. in the morning, ISWAP attacked Lassa Day Secondary School. They shot sporadically. An unspecified number of students have been abducted,” Daso said.
He explained that the swift intervention by security personnel forced the terrorists to abandon part of their operation, limiting the number of people taken from the school.
The police spokesperson noted that security agencies had since intensified operations in and around Lassa community, with additional personnel deployed to strengthen security and support ongoing search-and-rescue efforts.
He added that the command was working closely with the military and other security agencies to track down the fleeing attackers and ensure the safe rescue of those abducted.
While the exact number of kidnapped students has yet to be confirmed, authorities said efforts were ongoing to establish the identities of those taken and account for everyone present at the examination centre during the attack.
The incident reportedly caused widespread panic among students, teachers and residents, many of whom fled for safety as gunfire echoed through the community.
Witnesses said the armed men arrived at the school in the morning, shooting into the air before rounding up students and civilians within the premises.
Among those reportedly abducted were women selling food and refreshments to students writing the examination.
The attack has once again highlighted the security challenges confronting schools in parts of Borno State, where educational institutions have frequently been targeted by insurgent groups over the years.
Despite significant gains recorded by security forces in the fight against insurgency, attacks on remote communities continue to pose serious threats to education, farming activities and the general well-being of residents.
Parents and community leaders have expressed deep concern over the latest incident, calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure schools and rescue the abducted victims without delay.
The attack also raises fresh concerns about the safety of candidates participating in nationwide examinations in areas affected by insecurity, with stakeholders urging authorities to strengthen protective measures around examination centres.
Security personnel remain on the ground in Lassa and surrounding communities as search
operations continue.
The Borno State Police Command assured residents that every available resource was being deployed to restore calm, pursue the attackers and facilitate the safe recovery of the abducted students and other victims.
Authorities have also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and provide any useful information that could assist ongoing rescue operations and the pursuit of those responsible for the attack.
