Reported by: Althiea .P | Edited by: Bornet .k
Families of 42 schoolchildren abducted from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State are continuing to demand urgent action as the pupils remain missing more than two months after they were taken by suspected terrorists.
The abduction occurred on Friday, 15 May 2026, when armed attackers stormed Mussa community near the Sambisa Forest axis of Borno State, targeting pupils during school hours. Residents and local officials said dozens of children were taken away during the attack, with Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, later stating that 42 pupils were missing.
Witnesses said the attackers arrived in the community and launched an operation that forced many pupils to flee for safety. Some children reportedly escaped into surrounding areas during the chaos, while others were captured and taken away by the gunmen. The attackers were suspected to be linked to Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), groups that have repeatedly carried out attacks in northeastern Nigeria.
The attack occurred in an area that has remained vulnerable because of its proximity to the Sambisa Forest, a known hideout for insurgent groups. Security officials and residents have repeatedly warned that communities around the forest continue to face threats from armed groups despite ongoing military operations.
By Saturday, 18 July 2026, the pupils had spent 64 days in captivity, with parents and community members expressing deep concern about their safety and demanding more information about efforts to secure their release. Families told local media that the prolonged uncertainty had caused emotional suffering, as many remained unaware of the condition and location of their children.
Community leaders and residents have appealed to federal and state authorities to intensify rescue efforts and provide updates on ongoing operations. The Borno State Government has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, while security agencies have continued efforts aimed at combating insurgent activities in the region.
The abduction has renewed concerns over the safety of schools in northern Nigeria, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted educational institutions. The crisis has raised fears among parents that insecurity could further disrupt children’s access to education in communities affected by terrorism.
The incident also comes amid a wider pattern of school attacks in Borno State. Weeks after the Mussa abduction, another attack occurred at Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, where armed attackers reportedly abducted students and disrupted examinations.
The repeated attacks have drawn comparisons with previous mass school kidnappings in Nigeria, including the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction, which brought global attention to the threat posed by Boko Haram and the vulnerability of students in conflict areas.
Security experts say preventing further attacks will require stronger intelligence gathering, improved protection for schools in vulnerable communities, and closer cooperation between security agencies and residents who often have early information about suspicious movements.
As families continue waiting for the safe return of the missing pupils, the Mussa abduction remains one of the latest reminders of the continuing humanitarian and security challenges facing communities in northeastern Nigeria.
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