Fear and uncertainty have gripped Lassa community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State after parents confirmed that at least 36 students are still missing following Monday’s deadly attack on Government Day Secondary School.
The school was attacked by suspected ISWAP fighters while students were writing their National Examinations Council (NECO) examination. During the attack, two teachers were killed and several students were abducted.
Tension rose on Tuesday when a delegation from the Borno State Government, led by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abba Wakilbe, visited the community to sympathise with families.
The visit turned chaotic as angry youths and parents rejected the delegation, insisting that government officials should focus on rescuing the abducted students instead of making speeches.
"We don't want any talk, just go and bring back our children," the protesters repeatedly shouted.
The situation became tense, forcing the delegation to leave the community under security escort as protesters waved placards and chanted, "Don't play politics with our children."
Parents have since begun registering the names of missing students. Several families confirmed that 36 children are still unaccounted for.
One parent, Mbula Bura, said his 19-year-old daughter, Esther Mbula, has not been found since the attack.
"Parents whose children are missing were asked to register their names. I discovered that 37 names had initially been listed," he said.
Another resident, Emmanuel Dari, said his 16-year-old daughter, Lucy Emmanuel, disappeared during the attack.
"She was writing her examination when the terrorists arrived. Since then, we have not been able to sleep," he lamented.
Another resident, Bitrus Milnda, also confirmed that two of his relatives, Martha Wajau and Abori Ujulu, both SS1 students, remain among those missing.
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Earlier, the Nigerian Army said troops under Operation Hadin Kai rescued 10 victims, including students and teachers, during a search-and-rescue operation supported by air surveillance. The military also confirmed that two security personnel lost their lives during the operation.
Meanwhile, the Borno State Government has ordered the temporary closure of schools in Lassa, Dille and Chul communities following the attack.
Governor Babagana Zulum directed the closure after an emergency stakeholders' meeting held in Lassa on Tuesday. However, students currently writing examinations will be moved to Government Secondary School in Uba to complete their papers.
According to the state government, 39 people were affected by the attack, including three teachers and 36 students. The missing students comprise 25 girls and 11 boys across SS1, SS2 and SS3.
The government assured residents that security agencies are working with community leaders to rescue the abducted students and improve security around schools in the affected areas.
