Africa-Press. Armed attacks and deteriorating security conditions in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, have led to the closure of 57 primary schools, while approximately 80 students remain in captivity after being kidnapped during attacks on schools in the Askira-Uba area.
A local education official stated that only 56 out of 113 primary schools in the region are currently operational, as schools in the most vulnerable communities have been shut down.
On May 15, armed individuals attacked Musa Central Primary School and kidnapped dozens of children. Despite conflicting initial figures, the Borno State government eventually estimated that around 44 students are still missing.
In a second attack, armed individuals stormed Lassa Government Secondary School on June 29 while students were taking national exams, before abducting several of them. Forces managed to rescue some of the captives, but 36 students and one teacher remained in captivity, according to the latest available data. This brings the total number of students believed to still be held in the two attacks to around 80, in addition to the teacher kidnapped in Lassa.
The attacks have prompted authorities to close schools located in fragile areas and propose the deployment of local guard groups around educational institutions when classes resume, while the military has been deployed alongside local security forces in Musa and Lassa. Borno State has faced an armed insurgency led by groups including Boko Haram and ISIS for over 15 years, with schools and children repeatedly targeted in attacks and kidnappings.
The ongoing kidnappings and closure of educational institutions raise concerns about the long-term implications for education in communities already suffering from displacement, poverty, and insecurity.
