The Borno State Police Command has confirmed an attack on Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, located in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, by gunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The incident occurred on Monday morning while students were reportedly sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers stormed the school at about 9 a.m., firing sporadically into the air and causing widespread panic among students, staff and residents.

During the attack, an unspecified number of students were abducted, while several others remain unaccounted for. A teacher was reportedly killed and another sustained injuries.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Nahum Daso, said security agencies have launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

“At about 9 a.m., suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists attacked a secondary school, shooting sporadically into the air. An unspecified number of students were abducted, while some are still missing,” Daso stated.

He added that authorities could not immediately verify reports of fatalities.

Daso further disclosed that security personnel, including the military, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and the area commander in Askira/Uba, are currently combing nearby forests in an effort to rescue the abducted students and apprehend the perpetrators.

Efforts to restore calm in the area are ongoing as investigations continue.