Borno Abduction: Zulum Promises Medical, Relief Support

Borno Abduction: Zulum Promises Medical, Relief Support

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The Borno State Government has intensified its response to the recent attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, with a high-powered delegation visiting injured victims, grieving families and traditional leaders to reassure them of ongoing rescue efforts and government support.

The delegation, led by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, continued its engagements on Wednesday on the directive of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, following the deadly attack on the school in Askira/Uba Local Government Area.

The team began its visit at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Mubi, where it met with Malam Goni Shettima, a teacher who sustained a gunshot wound to the head during the attack.

Receiving the delegation, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Shuaibu Jauro Yahya, disclosed that the injured teacher was responding to treatment and was in stable condition but would require advanced medical care.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Zulum, Wakilbe conveyed the governor’s sympathy to the injured teacher and his family, assuring them that the state government would continue to provide the necessary support throughout his recovery.

“His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, deeply sympathises with you and your family over this unfortunate incident,” the commissioner said.

From Mubi, the delegation proceeded to Uba, where it met with parents of the abducted students at the palace of the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Aliyu Ibn Samaila Mamza.

Addressing the anxious families, Wakilbe acknowledged the emotional pain caused by the abduction and assured them that the government was working closely with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to secure the safe release of the missing students.

“We understand the pain and anguish the families are going through. I want to assure you that the government has not relented. We are working closely with security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the safe rescue and reunification of the abducted students with their families,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the affected parents, Mr. Emmanuel Ayuba and Rev. Simon Wayindu urged the government to intensify rescue operations, saying families had continued to endure trauma and uncertainty since the attack.

The delegation also travelled to Mussa Community, where another group of students was abducted during a separate school attack on May 15, 2026. Government officials reassured parents that efforts to rescue the children remained active and that authorities had not abandoned the victims.

Responding on behalf of the families in Mussa, Mr. Ishaku Jidayi appealed for faster intervention, calling on the government to do everything possible to reunite the abducted children with their loved ones.

The visit forms part of the Borno State Government’s broader humanitarian and security response aimed at supporting victims, providing relief to affected families and sustaining pressure for the safe return of all abducted students.

The delegation comprised the Commissioner for Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Samaila Satumari; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Dr. Julian Bitrus; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Projects, Engr. Emmanuel Yerima; Treasurer of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Suleiman Bello Maina; Education Secretary of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Fatsuma Adamu; Chairman of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Hon. Mada Saidu, alongside other senior government officials.

The Area Commander and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) also accompanied the delegation throughout the visits, underscoring the government’s coordinated approach to addressing the aftermath of the attacks.

The government has also pledged continued medical assistance for the injured victims and relief materials for affected families, while reaffirming its commitment to securing the release of all abducted students.