The state Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, made the announcement on Monday, May 25, while visiting the community, according to a statement released on Tuesday, May 26, by Dauda Illiya, the governor’s spokesperson.

“The delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Uba, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza II, at his palace in Uba before proceeding to Mussa,” stated Illiya.

He mentioned that when at Mussa, the team was greeted by parents of the kidnapped students, community leaders, and Lt. Col. Ishola Olufisola, the commanding officer of the 115 Battalion, Askira.

During an interactive session, Wakilbe spoke to parents, telling them that increased efforts were being made to ensure the pupils’ safe rescue and expressing the compassion and solidarity of the Borno State government and people.

“The commissioner ordered the temporary closure of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, and approved its relocation to Government Secondary School, Uba, where students are expected to continue their education in safer, more secure conditions, as part of immediate safety measures under the Safe Schools Initiative,” Illiya stated.

On May 16, it was revealed that 42 kids had been kidnapped following an attack on Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Borno State’s Askira/Uba Local Government Area by alleged Boko Haram terrorists.

“Four (4) students from the GDSS (two male and two female), 28 pupils were abducted from the primary section, while 10 children were abducted from their various residential houses, making a total of 42 persons,” according to Muhammade Ndume, the lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District.