By Kingston Magare 29.6.2026
Several students who sat writing their Senior School Certificate Examination at the Government Day Secondary School in Lassa town, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, have been kidnapped by gunmen suspected to be Islamic State West African Province elements.
The incident occurred Monday morning, a teacher was shot dead and another sustained life threatening injuries as the invaders shot sporadically. The exact number of students carted away is yet to be made known by the authorities.
Borno State police spokesperson Nahum Daso said a good number of students are missing after the attack.
“Around 9 a.m. in the morning, ISWAP attacked Lassa Day Secondary School. They shot sporadically. An unspecified number of students have been abducted.
“Security forces confronted them. For now, we have an unspecified number of students who were abducted. The CP deployed the Area Commander in Askira/Uba. They are currently combing the bush,” Daso said.
According to eyewitness account the gunmen came in large numbers and overran the community, which was left unguarded. It was gathered that Nigerian army troops manning the area left minutes before the invaders came and operated unhindered.
“The soldiers were not around when the terrorists invaded. They came in large numbers, firing sporadically and causing panic everywhere. They took away students writing NECO and their teachers,” an eyewitness said.
Meanwhile Borno State commissioner for information and internal security, Usman Tar, said seven of the students were rescued.
“For now, seven of them have been rescued. We cannot confirm their gender yet. Assessment is still ongoing,” he said.
“We have sent a delegation to the community to assess the situation and build confidence in the minds of the residents.”