Two teachers were killed when Islamist terrorists struck a secondary school in a Christian-majority area of Borno State, north-eastern Nigeria, on 29 June, abducting at least 45 pupils and two members of staff.
Eight people, including the school’s vice-principal, have been freed.
Thirty-six pupils (25 female and 11 male, between the ages of 15 and 19) and one staff member are still being held captive.
Thirty-six pupils and a staff member from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, are still being held by Islamist terrorists [Image credit: Punch Nigeria]
The armed assault on Government Day Secondary School in the town of Lassa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area (LGA), is believed to have been carried out by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The incident occurred as pupils were taking national exams.
A delegation sent to Lassa by the Borno State government was met with protests from affected families and other members of the community.
“Since yesterday, we cannot sleep,” said one parent, Emmanuel Dari, who confirmed that his 16-year-old daughter Lucy Emmanuel was among those taken.
Barnabas Aid sources confirmed that Lassa is a “historic Christian stronghold” within Muslim-majority Borno State.
Borno is the epicentre of jihadi violence in north-eastern Nigeria, with both ISWAP and Boko Haram responsible for the deaths of thousands, including Christian civilians, Muslim civilians and security personnel.
Askira-Uba LGA borders Chibok, where more than 270 schoolgirls, mostly Christians, were abducted by Boko Haram in April 2014. More than 100 of the Chibok Girls are still missing.
How you can pray
Pray urgently that those still being held by the terrorists will be released, safe and unharmed. Ask that all those affected will be healed of their trauma after their dreadful experience. Pray that Islamist terrorism in north-eastern Nigeria will be brought to an end.
