Gunmen Abduct 50+ Schoolchildren in Borno, Toddlers Among Victims

Armed terrorists abducted more than 50 schoolchildren in Borno State on Friday morning, with toddlers among the victims, in an attack that has left parents devastated and security forces scrambling to respond.

The gunmen struck three schools in Mussa, a town in Borno State, shortly after troops on patrol had left the area. Witnesses told the BBC that the attackers used the children as human shields while fleeing on motorcycles, preventing security forces from opening fire.

Abdu Dunama, headmaster of Mussa Central Primary School, said 34 children—mostly nursery pupils aged five and under—were seized from his school alone. The attacks also hit the Government Day Secondary School and State Universal Basic Education Board Secondary School in the same town.

Parents Wait in Anguish

Traumatised parents have told the BBC they feel they have no choice but to wait in anguish for news about their children. One man, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal, said his wife was inconsolable after their six-year-old daughter was snatched away by the gunmen.

“It was immediately after they left, it was not up to 30 minutes after,” said Bukar Buba, whose daughter was taken, referring to the patrol troops.

Some reports suggest the attacks bore the hallmark of Boko Haram, the Islamist group vying for control over the region against its rival faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Security Forces in Pursuit

Dunama, who is in touch with security forces, says troops are currently on the ground and continuing efforts to track the abductors. The largely farming community, already struggling economically, is now appealing urgently to the government to help secure the safe return of the children.

Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South issued a press statement on Saturday saying at least 42 children had been abducted from two schools. Government officials have not responded to the BBC’s requests for comment.

The incident adds to Nigeria’s long list of school kidnappings in recent years, particularly in the North and North-Central regions. From Chibok in 2014 to recent attacks in Niger and Kebbi States, schools have remained frequent targets for armed groups, raising concerns over student safety and rural security infrastructure.

Sources: BBC News, Al Jazeera, Premium Times, Punch