The Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, Paul Namaske, has recounted the terrifying moments when terrorists abducted teachers and students during an attack on the school.
Speaking after the incident, Namaske said he and the victims were marched into the bush by the attackers before a military intervention created an opportunity for their escape.
According to him, the situation changed when a Nigerian Air Force aircraft began hovering over the area, forcing the insurgents into disarray as troops engaged them in a firefight.
“Today, being June 29, the terrorists took us into the bush. When a military aircraft started hovering over us, the insurgents started dispersing. While this was happening, we heard gunshots from the soldiers, so they began to run while we started escaping. In the process, the soldiers rescued us,” Namaske said.
The vice principal disclosed that the abductees included two teachers and more than 20 students, although he could not immediately confirm the exact number.
“We are two teachers and about 20-something students. I cannot give the precise number, but at one point during the movement, when they gathered us in one place, I was able to make a rough estimate. They were about 20 students and two teachers,” he added.
The Nigerian Army confirmed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai rescued 10 of the abducted victims following a coordinated search-and-rescue mission supported by air assets.
Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, said security forces tracked the abductors to the Daggu area, where they engaged them in a firefight.
“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully rescued 10 National Examinations Council candidates and teachers abducted during an ISWAP attack on Lassa Community in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State,” Goni said.
He explained that the operation was launched immediately after reports of the attack were received.
“The troops, with support from the air platforms overhead providing guidance, made contact around Daggu and, after the firefight, the operation has so far resulted in the successful rescue of 10 victims, who were unhurt and are currently receiving the necessary care and support, while efforts remain ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he stated.
Goni added that troops recovered seven motorcycles belonging to the terrorists during the operation.
He, however, disclosed that the rescue mission came at a heavy cost.
“Regrettably, during the intense firefight, one gallant soldier of OPHK and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme sacrifice in the exchange of fire with the terrorists,” Goni said.
Security agencies say efforts are continuing to rescue the remaining abductees and track down those responsible for the attack.
