Terrorists kill one, set school ablaze in Borno

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have attacked Government Day Secondary School in Kautikari village, Chibok LGA of Borno state, killing one person and setting parts of the school ablaze.

The attack, which occurred at about 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, left a block of classrooms and a staff office burnt at the junior secondary section of the school.

Confirming the incident, Malah Kyari, the education secretary of Chibok Local Government Area said the attackers invaded the community, killed a man, and torched a block housing five classrooms alongside an administrative office.

He said the affected structure belonged to the junior secondary school wing of the institution.

Security authorities also confirmed the attack, noting that troops and other security operatives repelled the assailants during the operation.

ASP Nahum Daso, the police public relations officer in Borno state said the attackers were engaged by a joint security team, which prevented further destruction and casualties.

According to him, while the terrorists succeeded in burning part of the school and killing one person, security forces responded swiftly and restored calm to the area, adding that patrols had been intensified.

A local government official in charge of education oversight across Chibok and neighbouring areas said details of the attack were still being verified, as authorities assessed the extent of the damage.

Residents reported that the attackers arrived in large numbers on motorcycles, targeting the school and setting buildings on fire before fleeing into surrounding areas.

Many villagers reportedly fled for safety during the assault.

Security agencies say operations are ongoing in the area to prevent further attacks and stabilise the community.