The Borno State Government has confirmed that 37 people—36 students and one teacher—remain in captivity following Monday’s terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area.

The victims were abducted while writing the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations, although some students were rescued the following day.

Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, said the remaining captives comprise 25 female students, 11 male students and one teacher, adding that security agencies were working to secure their release.

Following the attack, angry residents protested at the school, demanding the immediate rescue of the abducted victims. The state government has also ordered the closure of schools in the area and relocated SSCE candidates to Uba town over security concerns.