Forty-two students and pupils are feared abducted after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack reportedly occurred around 9 am on Friday in Mussa community, located on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest.

The member representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, Midala Balami, confirmed the attack and described it as heartbreaking.

In a statement on Friday, the lawmaker condemned the assault on the school and the abduction of pupils.

“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.

Also confirming the incident, the senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Mohammed Ali Ndume, said 42 persons were abducted during the attack.

In a statement on Saturday, Ndume said, “Four (4) students were abducted from the GDSS (two male and two female), 28 pupils were abducted from the primary section, while 10 children were abducted from their various residential houses, making a total of 42 persons.”

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

“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.

According to him, the victims include 19 males and 21 females.

The attack is the latest in a series of insurgent assaults in communities around the Sambisa Forest axis, despite ongoing military operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in the North-East.