Terrorists suspected to be members of the Boko Haram insurgent group have killed two teachers and abducted several students writing the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination during an attack on a secondary school in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred on Friday morning at Lassa Day Secondary School in the Uba district, where candidates were sitting for the ongoing NECO examinations.
According to reports, the insurgents arrived in utility vehicles mounted with anti-aircraft guns and dressed in military camouflage, creating confusion before opening fire indiscriminately.
Witnesses said the attackers stormed the school at about 9:00 a.m., shooting sporadically and causing panic among students, teachers and residents.
During the assault, two teachers were reportedly killed while several others sustained injuries as they attempted to protect students from the attackers.
Scores of students writing the examination were also abducted and taken to an unknown destination, while many others fled into nearby bushes in search of safety.
The attack triggered panic at the nearby Week Village market and surrounding communities, forcing traders and residents to abandon their businesses as gunfire echoed across the area.
Security personnel were later deployed to the community, while efforts were intensified to locate the abducted students and rescue them safely.
The latest incident underscores the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups operating in parts of northeastern Nigeria despite ongoing military operations aimed at restoring peace in the region.
Educational institutions in Borno State have repeatedly come under attack over the years, with students and teachers often targeted by insurgents seeking to disrupt academic activities and instill fear within local communities.
The abduction of students during a national examination has also raised fresh concerns about the safety of schools and the effectiveness of existing security measures protecting learners in conflict-prone areas.
Parents and community leaders have called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted students and strengthen security around schools, particularly during national examinations.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as search and rescue operations continue and investigations into the attack progress.
The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in Nigeria's North-East, where schools remain vulnerable to attacks despite renewed security operations.