Bandits launched a deadly attack yesterday at Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, killing the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, and abducting 25 female students. The attackers struck around 5 a.m., operating without resistance and leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and terrifying, noting that the bandits stormed the school in large numbers and shot sporadically before gaining access to the hostels. Residents said Vice Principal Makuku was gunned down while attempting to shield students from the attackers — a sacrifice community members have described as both heroic and heartbreaking. Several unidentified corpses were also reportedly found within the school premises.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incursions in Maga, a community that has endured repeated assaults in recent months. Air force jets were seen hovering over the area hours after the incident, as heavily armed security personnel cordoned off the school.
Police Confirm the Attack
Confirming the development, the state police command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, said the bandits scaled the school’s fence and opened fire before whisking away the students. Although police tactical units engaged them, the attackers had already taken the girls from their hostel.
Concerned parents and residents remain anxiously awaiting official updates on the fate of the abducted students.
Kebbi Government Condemns ‘Barbaric’ Act
The Kebbi State government described the abduction as “barbaric and condemnable.” Governor Nasir Idris, who visited the scene — accompanied by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the Emir of Zuru — expressed deep sorrow and assured residents that the government was doing everything possible to secure the safe return of the students.
The government appealed for calm and urged the public to support ongoing efforts to eradicate banditry from the state.
Tinubu Orders Immediate Rescue Operation
President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack and directed security and intelligence agencies to rescue the abducted students without delay. Through a statement by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, the President reaffirmed that protecting citizens — especially schoolchildren — remains a core responsibility of the state.
He also issued firm instructions that the perpetrators must be brought to justice. The federal government, according to Idris, is strengthening its security architecture and deepening regional cooperation through ECOWAS, AU, and MNJTF to prevent such attacks.
Atiku Decries Rising Insecurity Nationwide
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the attack, calling it another grim reminder of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. He described the killing of the vice principal and the abduction of students as “devastating,” urging the federal government to urgently review and strengthen the national security framework.
Atiku also linked the tragedy to other violent incidents across the country — including mass abductions in Zamfara, killings in Plateau and Benue, and recent attacks in Kano that have forced residents to flee. He warned that Nigeria “cannot continue on this path,” insisting that citizens deserve security, dignity, and peace.
Fresh Tensions in Nasarawa
In a related development, suspected bandits abducted Alhaji Musa Usman, father of the immediate past NSUBEB chairman in Nasarawa State. The attack, which took place in Daddere community, threw residents into panic as the gunmen fired repeatedly before whisking away their victim.
Over the past week, Nasarawa has witnessed renewed bandit attacks that have claimed multiple lives and forced farmers to abandon their crops over fear of being targeted. Residents are calling on the government to move swiftly to halt the resurgence of violence.
Across the affected states, families continue to grieve, communities remain tense, and the nation confronts a growing sense of vulnerability — as Nigerians wait for decisive action to end the relentless wave of insecurity.