Gunmen have abducted more than 50 children from three schools in Mussa town, located in Nigeria’s conflict-hit north-eastern Borno State, in a devastating morning raid that has left families desperate for answers.
The majority of those abducted are very young children, mostly between the ages of two and five.
Teachers and local residents said the attackers struck on Friday morning, targeting Government Day Secondary School, Mussa Central Primary School, and a SUBEB-run primary school in quick succession.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as armed men stormed classrooms, firing shots to scare away residents before forcing children out and fleeing on motorbikes.
Some accounts indicate the attackers may have used the children as human shields during their escape, preventing security forces from engaging them directly.
Although no group has claimed responsibility, the attack bears similarities to previous abductions linked to Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), both of which have long operated in the region.
Security personnel were reportedly in the area shortly before the incident, but residents believe the attackers struck soon after a patrol team left the town.
Amid the chaos, some older pupils managed to escape into nearby bushes.
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Local officials estimate that at least 34 children were abducted from one of the schools alone, with the total number taken across the three institutions rising to more than 50.
The attack has triggered fear and displacement in Mussa, with some residents fleeing the area.
Parents have been left in anguish as security agencies continue search and rescue operations in an effort to locate the missing children.
By our reporter
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