By Daily Review Online
Suspected ISWAP terrorists on Monday attacked Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, abducting an unspecified number of students writing the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination.
The attackers reportedly stormed the school around 9 a.m., firing sporadically before taking several students from their classrooms. Some women selling food within the school premises were also reportedly abducted.
The spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, confirmed the attack, saying security operatives responded swiftly and engaged the terrorists, preventing a larger-scale abduction.
“At about 9 a.m., ISWAP attacked Lassa Day Secondary School, shooting sporadically. An unspecified number of students were abducted. Security forces confronted them, and the Commissioner of Police has deployed the Area Commander in Askira/Uba. Security personnel are currently combing the surrounding bushes,” Daso said.
He added that additional security operatives have been deployed to the community to intensify rescue efforts and track down the attackers.
Also confirming the incident, Solomon Kwamagar, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and a native of Lassa, said the gunmen entered the community on motorcycles through the Lassa market before heading to the school.
Kwamagar claimed the attackers shot and killed a teacher before abducting students. However, the police have not confirmed the reported killing.
He added that efforts were ongoing to determine the exact number of students and other victims affected by the attack.
Security agencies have launched a manhunt for the fleeing terrorists as rescue operations continue.