By Fatima Haruna (9News Nigeria Maiduguri)
Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has moved swiftly to respond to Monday’s insurgent attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, by dispatching a high-powered government delegation to the community on Tuesday.
Acting on the Governor’s directive, the delegation was led by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe.
The team also included the Commissioner for Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Samaila Satumari; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr. Juliana Bitrus; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Projects, Engr. Emmanuel Yerima, a representative of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Comrade Suleiman Bello Maina; and other senior officials.
On arrival in Lassa, the delegation met with parents of the affected students who expressed concern over the safety and whereabouts of their children.
Conveying Governor Zulum’s position, Engr. Wakilbe extended the Governor’s sympathy and gave firm assurances.
“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.
As part of the Governor’s response, the delegation convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting at Government Girls Secondary School, Lassa. Attendees included the Zonal Deputy Director, Education Secretary, principals across Askira/Uba LGA, the Local Government Chairman, and security representatives.
Following deliberations, the meeting resolved to temporarily close all schools in Dille, Lassa, and Chul communities as a precautionary security measure. To protect academic continuity, students sitting for ongoing examinations will be relocated to Government Secondary School, Uba.
Engagement with Local Authorities and Victim Documentation
The delegation received a formal report from the Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government, Hon. Mada Saidu.
The report confirmed 39 persons from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, were affected – comprising 3 teaching staff and 36 students. Of the 36 missing students, 25 are female and 11 are male, drawn from SS1, SS2, and SS3.
The team also paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Aliyu Ibn Samaila Mamza, to commiserate and brief him on measures being implemented by the Borno State Government.
The delegation commended the resilience of affected communities and restated Governor Zulum’s commitment to strengthening security around schools, supporting affected families, and ensuring the safe return of all missing students and staff.
