Many Students Missing After Terrorist Attack on Schools in Borno and Oyo

*Vice principal, students abducted

Muhammad Sabiru in Maiduguri and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

In Mussa village, Askira‑Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, a primary and junior secondary school was attacked by suspected Boko Haram or ISWAP terrorists, who abducted many pupils. The same day, gunmen raided Community High School in Ahoro‑Esinele, Oriire local government area of Oyo State, taking an unspecified number of students and creating widespread panic.

Residents of Mussa village confirmed that the attackers arrived on motorcycles early Friday morning and stormed the school. The deputy speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Abdullahi Askira, told journalists that the school was invaded but that details were still incomplete. “Yes, I can confirm to you that some suspected terrorists riding on motorcycles invaded primary and junior secondary schools in Mussa village this morning,” he said. “Information at my disposal was that many of the students fled into the bush, but I don’t have details of those abducted yet. It is also disheartening that the incident took place barely a few minutes after troops on patrol left the community; this signifies that the insurgents or the attackers were spying on the movement of troops before they struck,” he added. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Keneth Daso, did not respond to calls for further details. Mussa is a remote village that borders Sambisa Forest, a known terrorist hideout.

In Oriire, Oyo State, the attack on Community High School occurred between 8 am and 9 am. The gunmen entered the premises, fired sporadically, and forced students and teachers to flee. An eyewitness reported that the assailants took Vice‑Principal Mrs. Rachael Alamu and several students, though the exact number of abductees was not yet confirmed. A teacher was also shot during the invasion, though the severity of the injury could not be immediately ascertained.

One resident, speaking anonymously for security reasons, said the gunmen operated for several minutes without resistance before escaping into a nearby forest reserve. “The gunmen came heavily armed and invaded the school while activities were ongoing. They abducted the principal and some students. One teacher was shot during the attack. The entire community is in fear right now,” the source said. Another resident added that the attackers fled in the Vice‑Principal’s vehicle, using a forest route that links neighbouring communities.

Parents and residents stormed the school shortly after the incident, fearing for the safety of the abducted victims. Some blamed the delayed response of security forces on the lack of a nearby police station. “The nearest police station is far from this community. Before security operatives could arrive, the attackers had already escaped into the forest,” another source said.

The Oyo State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the attack and said the command had launched an operation in the area. He added that the exact number of abducted students was still being verified. “Yes, there was an attack in the area. The Commissioner of Police and tactical teams have moved to the community for on‑the‑spot assessment and necessary action. We are still verifying the number of victims involved,” he said.

The incident has raised concerns about insecurity in rural communities across the state, especially attacks targeting schools and vulnerable residents. Ayanlade stated that the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has led security operatives and other service commanders to the affected communities for on‑the‑spot assessment and operational coordination.

According to the police, several pupils, students, and staff members were abducted during the coordinated attacks, including Vice‑Principal Mrs. Alamu. No pupil or student had been confirmed dead at the time of reporting, but an Assistant Headmaster identified as Mr. Adesiyan was killed during the attack. An okada rider was also reportedly shot dead after resisting attempts by the attackers to seize his motorcycle.

Community Grammar School and L. A Primary School operate within the same premises in Esiele. The attackers reportedly carted away a Toyota Corolla belonging to the abducted Vice‑Principal before setting the vehicle ablaze along a forest route.