No fewer than 42 students, including children, were abducted on Friday after Boko Haram invaded primary and junior government day secondary school Mussa, in Askira -Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. 

Lawmaker representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, confirmed this while speaking on the incident on Saturday.

Mr Ndume, who sympathised with victims’ families, said he got update from the school authority and community leaders.

“Information at my disposal from the schools’ authorities indicated that 28 pupils were abducted from the primary section, 4 students from the GDSS (2 male and 2 female), while 10 children were abducted from their various residential houses, making a total of 42 persons,” the lawmaker stated.

Describing the incident as horrifying, Mr Ndume noted that the students were kidnapped at the peak of their early morning class lessons.

The lawmaker appealed to the Nigerian troops of Joint Task Force North-East Operation HADIN KAI, and other security agencies, to deepen efforts required to rescue victims.

He extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in Chibok communities and other attacks in his senatorial district.

Police spokesperson ASP Nahum Daso could not be reached immediately for comment on the incident as calls and messages sent to his line were unanswered as of press time.

Several communities have come under perennial Boko Haram attacks in recent times. In April, suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists attacked Kautikari village in the Chibok LGA of the state.

23 persons were also killed and 108 others injured after three suicide bombers detonated deadly explosives at different locations in the state in March.

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum said recent surge in attacks might be linked to ongoing military operations against insurgents in Sambisa Forest and other hideouts.

Mr Zulum assured residents of committed efforts to address the challenges and ensure safety across the state.