Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has confirmed that 42 pupils and students were kidnapped after Boko Haram insurgents attacked the Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) in Mussa, Askira/Uba Local Council of Borno State.
Details of the Attack
According to Ndume, the Mussa farming and herding community is located on the eastern fringe of the Sambisa Forest in northeastern Nigeria. Confirming the abduction on Saturday in Maiduguri, the state capital, Ndume said: 'I am appealing to the military and other security agencies, particularly the ground troops of the Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), to intensify their efforts in rescuing the abducted school children in captivity.'
He described the traumatizing abduction incident as having forced many parents and guardians into hopelessness, trauma, and disheartening conditions for the families.
Ongoing Attacks in the Region
Ndume's senatorial constituency, comprising nine local councils, continues to face constant attacks with destruction of lives and property. He noted recent attacks on Chibok communities of Bambatsu and Ngadarma, where several people, including the elderly, were killed.
He added that the abduction of pupils in Mussa school is more terrifying because it occurred when the students were engaged in early morning classroom lessons.
Breakdown of Abducted Victims
Ndume revealed that information from school authorities indicated four students were abducted from GDSS, 28 pupils from the primary section, and 10 children from their residential houses, bringing the total to 42 victims.
Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, reiterated his appeal to security agencies, especially the Nigerian Army, to intensify efforts to rescue the innocent school children. He also condoled with families of those who lost their lives in Chibok and other attacks in the senatorial district.
