More Than 30 Students Still Missing After ISWAP Attack on Borno School

At least 37 students are still unaccounted for after suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked a secondary school in Lassa, Borno State.

The attack happened on Monday while students were writing their examinations. According to local officials, the gunmen stormed the school, killing at least three people, including a teacher and a soldier.

Borno State Commissioner for Education, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, said 25 female students, 11 male students, and one staff member remain in captivity. He added that eight people, including the school's vice principal, have been rescued.

Earlier, the military had reported that most of the abducted victims had been freed, but local authorities later confirmed that dozens are still missing. A list containing the names of the missing students and their parents' contact details was also shared with journalists.

School kidnappings have become a recurring security challenge in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region, where armed groups and criminal gangs frequently target students for ransom.

The latest attack comes weeks after more than 40 pupils were abducted in Mussa village, Borno State, while another mass kidnapping involving students was reported in Oyo State in May.

Nigeria has battled an insurgency in the northeast since 2009. Although violence has reduced compared to previous years, security experts warn that attacks by armed groups have increased again in recent months.

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