MAIDUGURI — Suspected Boko Haram fighters attacked Kautikari Village in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, killing one person and setting fire to part of a secondary school, according to local authorities. The attack affected the junior secondary section of Government Day Secondary School in the community. The incident has renewed concerns about the continuing threat to education in areas affected by insurgency. According to the Education Secretary of Chibok Local Government Area, the attackers struck the community in the evening and set ablaze a block containing five classrooms and an office. Attacks on schools have consequences beyond the immediate physical damage. Students and teachers may be afraid to return to affected communities, while parents may become reluctant to send children to school. Repeated insecurity can therefore cause long-term disruption to education. Borno State has experienced years of conflict involving Boko Haram and other armed groups. Although security conditions have improved in some areas, attacks continue to pose risks to communities. Education has been among the sectors most affected because schools can become targets or be caught up in wider violence. When schools are damaged or closed, students lose valuable learning time. Children may also be displaced from their communities and forced to interrupt their education. Displacement can create additional challenges because families may move to areas where school places and learning resources are limited. The security of teachers is equally important. Teachers cannot provide effective education if they fear travelling to or working in schools. Recruitment and retention can become difficult in areas where security risks remain high. Governments therefore need to consider teacher protection as part of education planning. School security measures can include controlled access, community surveillance and stronger cooperation with security agencies. The appropriate response depends on local conditions, but schools in vulnerable areas need clear emergency plans. Communities can also contribute by reporting suspicious activity and maintaining communication with authorities. The incident demonstrates why education and security policy must be closely connected in conflict-affected regions. Rebuilding classrooms is necessary after an attack, but reconstruction alone does not solve the underlying security problem. Students need confidence that returning to school will not expose them to unacceptable risks. Government authorities also need to ensure that children affected by school closures have access to alternative learning opportunities. Temporary learning centres, accelerated programmes and catch-up classes can help students recover lost instructional time. Psychological support may also be necessary for children who experience violence. Education plays an important role in rebuilding communities affected by conflict. Schools provide children with structure, knowledge and opportunities for social development. Keeping education functioning during periods of insecurity can therefore contribute to resilience. The attack in Kautikari is a reminder that the safety of schools remains a serious issue in parts of Nigeria. Protecting children and teachers requires sustained security efforts, community cooperation and education planning that accounts for emergencies. Until schools can operate safely and consistently, children in affected communities will continue to face barriers to their education.