Timeline of School Attacks

July 2009 - July 2015

This is a timeline of major schools attacks documented by Human Rights Watch from interviews with victims and witnesses, as well as media reports monitored and analyzed by Human Rights Watch.

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July 29, 2009
Maiduguri, Borno: Success international private school, Maiduguri — Four buildings, including two blocks of three classrooms each were set on fire by suspected Boko Haram members.
Human Rights Watch interview with school proprietor and head teacher [names withheld] Maiduguri, September 2015 and January 2016.
September 14, 2010
Maiduguri, Borno: Maiduguri, Borno: Boko Haram insurgents set ablaze 36 classrooms and offices at Yerwa Primary School, Maiduguri. A school guard told Human Rights Watch he recognized the attackers as then current and former students of the school.
Human Rights Watch interview with school staff [names withheld] Maiduguri, September 9, 2015.
April 2, 2012
Daura, Yobe: Men suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents raided Government Senior Secondary School, Daura, stealing computers, power generators, and the school bus before setting fire on 2 blocks of 6 classrooms, principal's office, books and certificates.
Human Rights Watch interview with school staff [names withheld] Potiskum, October 9, 2015
February 22, 2012
Maiduguri, Borno: Bundum Primary School, Maiduguri — Some classrooms and a store set ablaze overnight by unknown men suspected to be Boko Haram members. Residents said there was a similar incident at Kulagumna Primary School along Ali Kotoko area of the metropolis on Tuesday. Abba Ganaram Primary School, Maiduguri Borno state — burnt during the night by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
BBC, "Nigeria school set alight in Maiduguri," BBC News Africa, February 23, 2012, (accessed March 10, 2016)
February 28, 2012
Maiduguri, Borno: Gomari Costain Primary School and three other schools in Maiduguri — Gunmen detonated a bomb that destroyed all of the schools' buildings. No casualties were reported.
.Hamza Idris, "Nigeria: Gunmen Sack Four Maiduguri Schools," Daily Trust, February 29, 2012, (accessed March 10, 2016)
March 1, 2012
Maiduguri, Borno: Success International School, old Maiduguri — Suspected Boko Haram burned down two buildings in the school overnight.
Yahaya Ibrahim, "Nigeria: Gunmen Set More Schools Ablaze in Borno," Daily Trust, March 1, 2012, (accessed March 10, 2016)
March 7, 2012
Gombe state: A school in Gombe state, near the sect's spiritual home in Maiduguri, was set ablaze overnight. Residents said the school was burned in a town near the border with Yobe state.
Associated Press, "BOKO HARAM ATTACK ANOTHER SCHOOL IN GOMBE STATE," March 7, 2012, (accessed March 10, 2016)
April 14, 2012
Maiduguri, Borno: Two primary schools in Maiduguri metropolis: Kulagumna Primary school and Gamboru II Primary and Junior Secondary School were burned to the ground overnight.
"Gunmen Kill 2, Burn Schools in Borno," Daily Trust, April 14, 2012
June 18, 2012
Damaturu, Yobe: Boko Haram insurgents struck six churches, five primary schools, a police station and a police outpost in Damaturu Yobe state during a battle with government forces. A top member of the sect, Habibu Bama (a former Nigerian soldier) died from injuries sustained in the battle..
Haruna Umar & Bashir Adigun, "Boko Haram Prison Break: Radical Sect Frees 40 In Nigeria," Huffington Post, June 25, 2012, (accessed March 15, 2016)
July 22, 2012
Damaturu, Yobe: Commissioner of Police revealed that the Yobe Children's Academy, the oldest private school in the state had been burned down. A school staff member told Human Rights Watch that a teacher working late in the school was killed. 30 classrooms were also razed.
"15-yr-old twins slaughtered in Yobe," Vanguard, July 23, 2012. Human Rights Watch interview with school staff [name withheld] Damaturu, October 6, 2015.
August 19, 2012
Damagun, Yobe: Police said that a section of the Central Primary School in Damagum LG was gutted by fire from targeted explosions.
Human Rights Watch interview with witnesses [names withheld] Damagun, Yobe state, October 9, 2015; Leadership, "Nigeria: Fire Destroys Primary School As Police Repel Attack in Yobe," All Africa, August 20, 2012.
August 21, 2012
Goniri, Gujba Local Government Area, Yobe: Gunmen stormed Goniri village in Gujba LG, killing 2 residents and then burning down classrooms at a primary school, the Lower Sharia court, and a police outstation, confirmed State Police PR officer, who suspected Boko Haram..
"Gunmen Kill 2, Raze Buildings in Yobe," The Nation, August 23, 2012, p. 57, (accessed March 15, 2016)
September 4-5, 2012
Damaturu, Yobe: Police said that two primary schools, a fire station, an electoral office and two religious affairs buildings were also burnt in the northeastern city of Damaturu, which had been hard hit by Boko Haram.
Clement Ejiofor, "Nigeria Mobile Phone Mast Attacks Kill 15, Schools Burnt," Naij.com, September 5, 2012, (accessed March 15, 2016)
September 30, 2012
Zaria, Kaduna: A bomb blast and gunfire shook an area around an Islamic boarding school in the city of Zaria, leaving two Boko Haram Islamists dead and three others wounded.
IRIN Report, "Timeline of Boko Haram and related violence in Nigeria," IRIN, February 22, 2013, (accessed March 15, 2016)
October 1, 2012
Mubi, Adamawa: At least 26 students of the Adamawa State University, the Federal Polytechnic, and the School of Health Technology, both in Mubi, Adamawa State were killed around 10pm Monday night by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram.
Umar Yusuf, "Gunmen massacre 40 students in Adamawa," Vanguard, October 3, 2012, (accessed March 15, 2016)
October 18, 2012
Potiskum, Yobe: Twenty-three killed in coordinated bomb and gun attacks by Boko Haram in Potiskum. Several government buildings and schools including Sabon Layi Primary School, Nahuta Primary School, and Best Center Vocational Training School were burnt in the attacks.
Human Rights Watch interview with witnesses and staff of three attacked schools [names withheld] Potiskum, October 9, 2015; IRIN Report, "Timeline of Boko Haram and related violence in Nigeria," IRIN, February 22, 2013, (accessed March 15, 2016)
October 23, 2012
Potiskum, Yobe: Government Day Junior Secondary School, Potiskum was set on fire overnight by men suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents. 25 classrooms, library, textbooks, generators, school furniture, science laboratory kits, files, registers and all records were burnt to ashes in the attack.
Human Rights Watch interview with school staff [names withheld] Potiskum, October 9, 2015
November 4, 2012
Fika, Yobe: Gunmen armed with explosives attacked a police station, a primary school and two cellphone towers in a town in Fika, on Sunday, setting them ablaze, JTF and residents said.
AFP, "Gunmen burn police station, school in Yobe," Vanguard, November 4, 2012, (accessed March 10, 2016)
March 12, 2013
Kano, Kano state: Gunmen struck Dan Maliki primary school while pupils were in class. Three teachers and the headmaster were wounded. The Police in Kano state confirmed the incident.
Human Rights Watch interview with victims [names withheld] Kano, September 17, 2015; This Day, "Gunmen Attack Primary School in Kano, Shoot Three Teachers, Headmaster" Thisday Live, March 12, 2013, (accessed March 15, 2016)
March 13, 2013
Maiduguri, Borno: Unknown assailants burnt Gwange III Primary School, two days after Gwange I Primary School was set ablaze.
Hamza idris & Sawab Ibrahim, "Nigeria: Killings - Children Stop Attending Schools in Borno," Daily Trust, April 4, 2013, (accessed March 15, 2016)
March 18, 2013
Maiduguri, Borno: Four school teachers including two female teachers and two other people were yesterday morning killed when some gunmen launched multiple attacks on four schools in the troubled city of Maiduguri. The schools attacks, according to sources, include Mafoni Day Secondary School, Yelwa Central School, Shehu Sanda Kyari Secondary School and Ali-Alaskiri Primary School.
Human Rights Watch interviews with witnesses at Mafoni Day Secondary School and Yelwa Central School [names withheld] Maiduguri September 9-10, 2015; Sun News Online, "How Boko Haram gunned down our teacher right before us - Female secondary school students recount ordeal," YNaija.com, March 23, 2013, (accessed March 10, 2016);
March 24, 2013
Biu, Borno state: Godiya Primary School; Lajada Private School; and Standard Private School in Biu, Borno state were burnt as soldiers and gunmen believed to be members of the Boko Haram were locked in a gun battle.
Joseph Abiodun, "Boko Haram burns down three schools in Borno," March 25, 2013, (accessed March 15, 2016)
April 9, 2013
Maiduguri, Borno: Two teachers killed at home in Maiduguri, while 4 officials of the Borno State Schools Feeding Committee were killed during an inspection tour of schools in Dikwa, Borno state.
Aminu Abubakar, "Boko Haram Attacks hit school attendance in Borno State," IRIN, May 14, 2013, (accessed March 15, 2016)
June 16, 2013
Damaturu, Yobe: Gunmen, suspected to be Boko Haram members, killed seven students and two teachers of Government Secondary School, Damaturu Yobe State capital.
Human Rights Watch interview with school staff [names withheld] Damaturu, October 8, 2015; Ola' Audu, "Gunmen kill seven students, two teachers in secondary school attack in Yobe," Premium Times, June 17, (accessed March 15, 2016);
June 19, 2013
Maiduguri, Borno: Suspected Islamist militants in north-east Nigeria killed at least nine students who were writing exams at Ansarudeen School, Maiduguri.
BBC, "Nigeria militants kill school children in Maiduguri," BBC News Africa, June 19, 2013, (accessed March 15, 2016).
June 24, 2013
Gamboru, Borno: Gunmen attacked and killed nine students in the town of Gamboru, Borno state on their way to take their exams.
July 6, 2013
Mamudo, Yobe: Up to 30 people, including at least 22 students, were killed in their dormitories in Mamudo town, Yobe state.
Human Rights Watch interview with school staff [name withheld] Potiskum, October 9, 2015; Faine Greenwood, "At least 30 killed in alleged Boko Haram attack on Nigeria boarding school," Global Post, July 6, 2013 (accessed March 15, 2016).
September 21, 2013
Maiduguri, Borno: 4 killed and scores of students injured by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram at Success Private School, old Maiduguri.
Human Rights Watch interview with school staff [name withheld] Maiduguri, September 9, 2015 & January 27, 2016.
September 28, 2013
Gujba, Yobe: On 28 September 2013, gunmen reportedly killed at least 50 students during an attack on the College of Agriculture Gujba in Yobe state.
Human Rights Watch interview with college staff [names withheld] Damaturu, October 7, 2015;.BBC, "Nigeria attack: Students shot dead as they slept," BBC News Africa, September 29, 2013, (accessed March 15, 2016).
January 9, 2014
Gwoza, Borno: A member of the House of Representatives, Peter Biye Gumtha, representing Gwoza/Chibok/Damboa said the attacks were launched by eight insurgents. Many primary schools and other public buildings in his constituency, were also burnt. The gunmen also destroyed 90, 000 packets of chalk, pens and exercise books procured at N38 million for distribution to schools in my constituency," he further said.
Clement Ejiofor, "Boko Haram Burn Churches, Primary Schools, Kill 8 People In in Communities Around the Nigerian-Cameroon border," Naij.com, January 10, 2014, (accessed March 15, 2016)
February 11, 2014
Konduga, Borno: Gunmen attacked Konduga about 40 kilometers from Maiduguri, along Maiduguri-Bama Road. They destroyed Abba Ashigar School of Business and Administrative Studies, and many other buildings in the town with explosives. They also abducted 20 female students from the school, five female street traders, a medical doctor and carted away drugs and medical equipment.
Reuters, "Nigeria's Boko Haram kill 51 in northeast attack: witnesses," Reuters, February 12, 2014, (accessed March 15, 2016)
February 24, 2014
Buni Yadi, Yobe: Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members attacked and killed dozens students of Federal Government College Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State. Yobe state Police Commissioner, Sanusi A Rufai confirmed that twenty nine male students were killed and twenty four structures that include the Administration block, students hostel and staff quarters were burnt down.
Hamisu Kabir Matazu, "Boko Haram Gunmen Kill 40 Students of Federal Government College, Yobe," Daily Trust, February 24, 2014. Accessed via saharareporters.com.
February 26, 2014
Shuwa, Adamawa: Suspected members of Boko Haram terrorist sect attacked a number of villages in Madagali and Michika LGAs in Adamawa State. In Shuwa, three catholic churches were set ablaze, as well as a primary school. The Saint Joseph Minor Seminary (secondary school). Local residents say three bodies were recovered from the seminary.
Human Rights Watch interview with Saint Joseph Minor Seminary staff [names withheld] Maiduguri, September 11, 2015; Channels Television, "Suspected Boko Haram Members Strike In Adamawa," Channels, February 27, 2014, (accessed March 15, 2016)
April 14-15, 2014
Chibok, Borno: Suspected Boko Haram insurgents on Tuesday abducted no fewer than 200 girls at the Senior Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, following a violent attack in the town.
Those Terrible Weeks In Their Camp, Human Rights Watch, October 27, 2014 pp.22-23, Premium Times, "Nigerian government confirms abduction of scores of female students by Boko Haram," Premium Times, April 16, 2014, (accessed March 15, 2016)
May 2, 2014
Gwoza, Borno: Two suspected members of Boko Haram were killed on Thursday during a foiled attack on Government Secondary School, Ville in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The gunmen reportedly arrived behind the perimeter fence of Government Secondary School, GSS, Ville, and packed their car hidden in the bush. But some vigilant students in the school spotted them and immediately raised alarm for others to take to their heels, while the soldiers stationed in the school began to engage them in a shoot-out.
Ola' Audu, "Two Boko Haram suspects killed in foiled attack on Borno school," Premium Times, May 2, 2014, (accessed March 15, 2016)
June 23, 2014
Kano, Kano state: A suicide bomber blew himself up alongside seven others Monday afternoon, while 20 sustained life threatening injury at Kano School of Hygiene Technology located along Gida Murtala--BUK road. The victims of the Monday afternoon blast were new intakes of the school undergoing screening exercise.
Human Rights Watch interview with school staff [names withheld] Kano, September 17, 2015. Abdulsalam Mohammed, "8 died, 20 injured in Monday afternoon blast in Kano," Vanguard, June 23, 2014, (accessed March 15, 2016)
July 28, 2014
Kano, Kano state: A woman suicide bomber blew herself up outside a Kano university after police prevented her from carrying out an attack, injuring five officers.
Cecile De Comarmond, "Five dead in bombing of church in north Nigeria's Kano," AFP, July 27, 2014, (accessed March 15, 2016)
July 30, 2014
Kano, Kano state: Another female suicide bomber targeting Polytechnic students struck again in Kano, killing two students and injuring at least seven others.
Sani Tukur, "Another female suicide bomber strikes in Kano," Premium Times, July 30, 2014, (accessed March 15, 2016)
July 31, 2014
Limankara, Gwoza, Borno: More than 100 trainee police officers went missing days after Boko Haram fighters sacked the Mobile Police Training Academy in Limankara, Gwoza last Wednesday.
"Boko Haram Insurgents Overrun Madagali Local Government in Adamawa State ," Sahara Reporters, August 23, 2014, (accessed March 15, 2016)
September 17, 2014
Kano, Kano state: 13 students died and scores of others were injured as suspected Boko Haram insurgents bombed and shot into lecture halls at the Federal College of Education, Kano.
; Human Rights Watch interviews with staff and students [names withheld] Kano, September 18, 2015; Aminu Abubakar, "Boko Haram blamed as 13 die in Nigeria college shooting, blast," September 17, 2014, (accessed March 15, 2016)
October 29, 2014
Mubi, Adamawa: Islamist Boko Haram militants seized control of the northeast Nigerian town of Mubi, killing dozens of people and forcing thousands to flee, witnesses said. The insurgents also stormed a university in where they killed a lecturer and his entire family.
Lanre Ola & Imma Ande, "Thousands flee as Boko Haram seizes northeast Nigerian town," Reuters Africa, October 31, 2014, (accessed March 15, 2016)
November 10, 2014
Potiskum, Yobe: At least 26 students were killed by a suicide bomber at a school assembly in north eastern Nigerian town of Potiskum.
Human Rights Watch interview with school staff and students [names withheld] Potiskum, October 9, 2015; BBC, "Nigeria school blast in Potiskum kills dozens," BBC News Africa, November 10, 2014, (accessed March 15, 2016)
November 12, 2014
Kontagora, Niger: A suicide bomber, a female, attacked the Federal College of Education, Kontagora, Niger State some 150 kilometres (90 miles) from the state capital, Minna. An account said no fewer than 10 persons died in the attack, others said only the female suicide bomber died while two others were injured and were receiving treatment at Kontagora General hospital.
Wole Mosadomi, Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Joseph Erunke, "Female suicide bomber hits college in Niger," Vanguard, November 13, 2014, (accessed March 15, 2016)
November 24, 2014
Damasak, Borno: During an attack on Damasak, Borno state, Boko Haram insurgents locked the gates Zanna Mobarti Primary School with over 300 pupils inside. More women and children abducted from the town were also brought into the school.
Human Rights Watch video interview with a school teacher and former Boko Haram captive [name withheld] Maiduguri January 28, 2016; "Suspected Boko Haram militants attack Nigerian border town," Reuters, November 24, 2014, http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/24/us-nigeria-violence-boko-haram-idUSKCN0J81UD20141124, (accessed March 15, 2016)
Joe Penney, "Boko Haram kidnapped hundreds in northern Nigeria town: residents," Reuters, March 25, 2014, (accessed March 15, 2016)
December 1, 2014
Damaturu, Yobe: Damaturu, the Yobe state capital, one of the troubled states in the northeast came under heavy fire as military and the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram exchange shooting. Members of the sect started shooting around Bukar Abba University, along Gujba road where a heavy fight ensued between them and the military. No one was killed at the university.
Human Rights Watch interview with university staff [names withheld] Damaturu, October 8, 2015; Ameh Comrade Godwin, "Boko Haram invades Damaturu, attacks State University," December 1, 2014, (accessed March 15, 2016)
December 21, 2014
Gwoza, Borno: Militants with Nigeria's radical jihadist group Boko Haram have killed more than 50 elderly people from several villages in the Gwoza area in the country. Residents who were too old to flee the area recently dominated by Boko Haram were gathered and taken to two schools, where they were executed by firing squad.
"Boko Haram executes more than 50 elderly people," i24news, December 21, 2014, (accessed March 15, 2016)
January 3, 2015
Babangida, Yobe: Boko Haram, on Saturday night attacked Babangida town, the headquarters of Tarmuwa local government area of Yobe state, engaging security forces in a gun battle at the local government secretariat, the Government Lodge and the boarding primary school, "all of which the terrorists have the intention of destroying."
"Nigeria: Another Yobe Town Attacked By Boko Haram," This Day, January 4, 2015, (accessed March 15, 2016)
March 15, 2015
Damasak, Borno: Boko Haram insurgents who had occupied and detained at least 300 pupils and over 200 more women and children at the Zanna Mobarti Primary School, Damasak, Borno state since November 24, 2014, escaped with at least 400 of the captives when security forces from Chad and Niger expelled the insurgents from the town.
Human Rights Watch interviews with witnesses [names withheld] Maiduguri January 28 and February 22, 2016;
May 8, 2015
Potiskum, Yobe: A suicide bomber suspected to be a member of the Boko Haram sect, armed with Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and AK47 rifle on Friday launched an attack on the College of Administrative and Business Studies (CABS) Potiskum in Yobe state. Potiskum is Northwest and about 100km from Damaturu, the Yobe state capital. The bomber stormed the school around 8:00am and started shooting sporadically at the gate before entering the school shooting at students and teachers alike.
Human Rights Watch interview with school staff [names withheld] Potiskum, October 9, 2015; Bala Ajiya & Ndahi Maram, "One dead, seven injured in Yobe School suicide attack," Vanguard, May 8, 2015, (accessed March 15, 2016)
July 31, 2015
Dikwa, Borno: The Nigerian Army uncovered at the abandoned Dikwa College of Education, Dikwa Borno state, a chemistry laboratory which the terrorist group, Boko Haram, had turned into an improvised explosive devices factory. Some of the equipment recovered from the laboratories include a welding machine and mine detector.
Nnenna Ibeh, "Nigeria: Boko Haram Converts College Laboratory to Bomb-Making Factory," Premium Times, August 1, 2015, (accessed March 15, 2016)