They arrived at school hoping to write one of the most important examinations of their lives. Instead, 36 students are now fighting for their freedom after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked their school in Borno State.
The students, who were sitting for the ongoing National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination at Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, remain in captivity days after the attack.
According to SaharaReporters, documents obtained from the school show that the missing candidates comprise 25 female and 11 male students.
The report said 43 people were initially abducted during the attack, including 41 students and two teachers.
So far, seven victims have regained their freedom—five female students and two teachers—leaving 36 students still in captivity.
One of the rescued teachers told SaharaReporters that security forces launched a rescue operation shortly after the attack, but many of the students are yet to be found.
The attack occurred while candidates were writing the ongoing NECO Senior School Certificate Examination after the insurgents reportedly entered Lassa community on motorcycles, disguising themselves as soldiers and members of the newly created Forest Guards before launching the assault.
A staff member of the school, who spoke anonymously to SaharaReporters for security reasons, said the rescue effort came at a heavy cost.
According to the source, a teacher, a Nigerian soldier and a local hunter were killed while trying to stop the attackers from taking the students away.
“They paid the supreme sacrifice while trying to stop the terrorists from taking away the students,” the source said.
Earlier reports indicated that troops of Operation HADIN KAI, supported by Nigerian Air Force surveillance and strike aircraft, pursued the fleeing terrorists into the bush, engaged them in a firefight and rescued some of the abductees. Security personnel also recovered motorcycles believed to have been used by the attackers.
The Borno State Government has confirmed that the abducted students are between 15 and 18 years old.
Military personnel, the police, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilantes are continuing efforts to rescue the remaining students.
The latest abduction has once again raised concerns about the safety of schools in Nigeria’s North-East, where insurgent groups have repeatedly targeted students and educational institutions over the years.
Source: SaharaReporters
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