In order to obtain the release of 42 pupils and children who were kidnapped from a school in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of the state, the Borno State Government said it is collaborating closely with security authorities.
Last Friday, during an early morning attack that also affected neighboring residences, the victims were abducted from the Primary and Junior Government Day Secondary School.
In a statement released in Maiduguri, Mallam Dauda Iliya, the Borno State Governor’s Special Advisor and spokesperson, acknowledged that rescue operations were still underway.
“It could be recalled that Governor Zulum has been engaging security agencies since the incident occurred to ensure the abductees are rescued and reunited with their families,” he said, adding that Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has been holding a series of meetings with heads of security agencies, including the military and police, to coordinate rescue operations. Security sources had previously revealed that the abducted victims include four secondary school students, twenty-eight primary school pupils, and ten children taken from nearby residences.
The attack was confirmed by Senator Ali Ndume, who called it “barbaric and heartbreaking” and urged Operation Hadin Kai troops to step up rescue efforts.
Ndume asked for a prompt military response to secure the prisoners, pointing out that the attack indicates a revival of insecurity in sections of Chibok and Askira-Uba.
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