No fewer than 42 students and pupils have reportedly been abducted following an attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists on Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack reportedly occurred around 9 a.m. on Friday in Mussa community, located near the Sambisa Forest axis.

The member representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, Midala Balami, confirmed the incident and condemned the assault on the school and residents.

“It is heartbreaking that innocent school children and residents continue to suffer under the threat of terrorism and violence in our communities,” the lawmaker said in a statement on Friday.

Also confirming the incident, Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Mohammed Ali Ndume, disclosed that a total of 42 persons were abducted during the attack.

According to Ndume, four students were abducted from the Government Day Secondary School section, comprising two males and two females.

He added that 28 pupils were taken from the primary school section, while 10 other children were abducted from nearby residential houses.

“Four students were abducted from the GDSS, 28 pupils from the primary section, while 10 children were abducted from their various residential houses, making a total of 42 persons,” Ndume stated on Saturday.

However, the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance, Samaila Kaigama, said findings by community representatives indicated that 40 students were abducted.

“From the list we obtained through our members in the community, 40 students were abducted. Our representatives have gone from house to house to know which child is at home or missing. At the end, we compiled the list and got this figure,” he said.

Kaigama noted that the victims include 19 males and 21 females.

The latest attack adds to growing concerns over insecurity in communities surrounding the Sambisa Forest, despite intensified military operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in the North-East.