THE NIGERIAN Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has condemned the latest terrorist attack on a secondary school in Borno State, describing the abduction of students and teachers from Government Day Secondary School in Lassa as a “barbaric attack” and calling for an uncompromising national response to terrorism.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the Council, under the leadership of its President-General, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, expressed “profound outrage” over the attack, during which a teacher was killed while scores of students and teachers were kidnapped.
“The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, expresses its profound outrage and unequivocally condemns Monday’s barbaric attack carried out by terrorists on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa Town, in the Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State,” the statement said.
The Council described the incident as another stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by insurgency across the country.
“This reprehensible attack, during which a teacher was murdered and scores of innocent students and teachers were abducted, is yet another reminder that terrorism remains a grave existential threat to Nigeria and demands an uncompromising national response,” it stated.
According to the NSCIA, repeated attacks on educational institutions amount to crimes against humanity and represent a direct assault on Nigeria’s future.
“The Council is of the strong opinion that the unconscionable acts of kidnapping and murder of schoolchildren constitute a despicable crime against humanity. That these unfortunate incidents have continued to reoccur is a national disgrace that strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s future and must be stopped immediately.”
The Council also linked the latest attack to recent kidnappings in Borno and Oyo states, expressing concern that many victims remain in captivity.
“The Council is greatly concerned that this latest attack comes a few weeks after the May 15 abduction of 42 pupils of Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in the same Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State and the kidnapping of 49 pupils and their teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, on the same day, all of whom remain in captivity.”
The Islamic body noted that the attackers exploited Lassa’s market day to gain access to the community before carrying out the assault, warning that terrorist groups were evolving their tactics.
“The Council is particularly disturbed that the terrorists exploited the Lassa Town’s market day to infiltrate the community before launching their assault. This demonstrates that terrorists continue to adapt their methods and exploit security gaps.”
It consequently urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve coordination to prevent similar attacks.
“Therefore, intelligence gathering, surveillance, inter-agency cooperation, and community-based early warning mechanisms must be significantly strengthened to reduce the vulnerability of our compatriots to terrorists’ attacks.”
The Council further recommended that governments across the country adopt technology-driven security measures similar to those recently introduced by the Enugu State Government.
“The recent Enugu State Government model of upgrading its security architecture with an AI-driven, tech-heavy model, whose key features include a newly launched Command and Control Centre, sophisticated surveillance drones and 150 AI-embedded patrol vehicles that can identify threats and track criminals instantly across the state, should be embraced and strengthened,” the statement said.
While commending the efforts of the Nigerian military, particularly troops of Operation HADIN KAI, the NSCIA stressed that rescue efforts must continue until every abducted victim is freed.
“The Council commends the courage and professionalism of the Armed Forces, especially the troops of Operation HADIN KAI, whose swift deployment of ground and air assets resulted in the rescue of some of the abducted students and teachers. While this achievement deserves commendation, the operation must not cease until every abducted child and member of staff are rescued alive and reunited with their families.”
The Council also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue operation.
“The Council mourns the gallant soldier and the member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who paid the supreme sacrifice during the rescue operation. Their bravery and patriotism have strengthened the determination required to defeat terrorism.”
Reiterating its longstanding position on terrorism, the NSCIA declared that violent extremist groups have no religious legitimacy in Islam.
“The Council reiterates that terrorism has no place in Islam. Boko Haram and ISWAP are enemies of Islam and humanity whose actions constitute a complete betrayal of the Qur’anic injunctions on the sanctity of human life, justice, mercy, and the pursuit of knowledge. Those who murder innocent people, abduct children, terrorise communities, and destroy schools cannot in any way claim to represent Islam or any recognised religious tradition.”
The Council extended its condolences to the government and people of Borno State, the school community and families of those affected, while insisting that Nigeria must remain resolute in confronting terrorism.
“The Council commiserates with the Government and people of Borno State, the management of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, the parents and families of the abducted students, and all those affected by this latest tragedy.”
It concluded by urging authorities to relentlessly pursue those responsible for attacks on innocent citizens.
“The Council reaffirms that Nigeria must never surrender to terror. Those who wage war against innocent citizens must be relentlessly pursued, brought to justice, and made to face the full weight of the law to ensure lasting peace and security throughout the country.”
