Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly abducted 42 students and pupils after attacking Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack reportedly occurred on Friday morning in Mussa community, an area located near the Sambisa Forest.
The member representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, Midala Balami, confirmed the incident and condemned the assault on the school and residents of the community.
Balami described the attack as heartbreaking, noting that innocent children and residents continued to suffer from persistent terrorist violence in the region.
Also confirming the incident, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, disclosed that 42 persons were abducted during the attack.
According to the senator, four students were taken from the Government Day Secondary School section, while 28 pupils were abducted from the primary school. He added that another 10 children were kidnapped from their homes, bringing the total number of abducted persons to 42.
However, the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, said findings by community representatives showed that 40 students were missing.
Kaigama explained that volunteers went from house to house within the community to identify affected families before compiling the number of abducted children.
He stated that the victims consisted of 19 boys and 21 girls.
The latest attack adds to a series of insurgent assaults on communities around the Sambisa Forest despite ongoing military operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in the North-East.
