…Assures Safe Return of the Students
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday dispatched a high-powered delegation to Lassa town in Askira/Uba Local Government Area following Monday’s insurgent attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa.
The delegation, led by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, comprised the Commissioner for Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Samaila Satumari, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr. Juliana Bitrus.
Also in the delegation are the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Projects, Engr. Emmanuel Yerima; a representative of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Suleiman Bello Maina, alongside other senior government officials.
Upon arrival in Lassa, the delegation met with parents of the affected students, many of whom expressed deep concern over the safety and whereabouts of their children.
Addressing the parents, the team leader, Engr. Wakilbe conveyed Governor Zulum’s sympathy and assured them that the state government was working closely with security agencies, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe return of the missing students and staff.
“On behalf of His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, I would like to extend our sympathy over this unfortunate incident. Let me assure you that efforts are ongoing by security agencies, government authorities, community leaders, and other stakeholders to trace and safely reunite the missing students and staff with their families,” Wakilbe stated.
The delegation later proceeded to Government Girls Secondary School, Lassa, where the Commissioner convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting attended by the Zonal Deputy Director (Uba Zone), the Education Secretary, principals of schools across Askira/Uba Local Government Area, the Local Government Chairman, security representatives and other key stakeholders.
Following extensive deliberations, the meeting resolved to temporarily close all schools in Dille, Lassa and Chul communities as a precautionary security measure. However, students sitting for ongoing examinations will be relocated to Government Secondary School, Uba, to enable them to continue their academic activities without disruption.
During the meeting, the Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government, Hon. Mada Saidu, formally presented the compiled list of victims of the attack to the delegation.
According to the report, a total of 39 persons from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, were affected, comprising three teaching staff and 36 students.
The report further indicated that the 36 missing students include 25 females and 11 males drawn from Senior Secondary School One (SS1), Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) and Senior Secondary School Three (SS3).
The delegation also paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Aliyu Ibn Samaila Mamza, where they commiserated with the traditional ruler over the incident and briefed him on the measures being implemented by the Borno State Government in response to the attack.
The delegation commended the resilience and cooperation of the affected communities. It reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Zulum’s administration to strengthening security around educational institutions, supporting affected families and ensuring the safe return of all missing students.
