A tragic early-morning attack on the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Council, Kebbi State, has left 25 female students abducted and the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, dead. Armed bandits stormed the school around 4:00 a.m., killing a staff member, injuring a security guard, and abducting students directly from their hostel, according to Police Public Relations Officer CSP Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi. Ali Shehu also sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.

The incident has triggered national outrage, with residents appealing to the Federal and Kebbi State Governments for immediate intervention. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) condemned the attack, questioning the utilization of N595 billion allocated to intelligence and security, attributing the abduction to “significant intelligence and security failures.” HURIWA called for robust, nationwide school security measures, emphasizing that perpetrators should be prosecuted under counter-terrorism laws.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the event as a further sign of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity, citing similar attacks in Zamfara, Plateau, Benue, and Kano States. Atiku urged a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security apparatus to ensure citizens’ protection and dignity. Likewise, Obiageli Ezekwesili, former Education Minister and co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls movement, stressed the urgent need to rescue the students, warning that impunity for terrorists continues to jeopardize school safety. Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, echoed calls for enhanced security measures and swift action to protect schools nationwide.

In response, the Federal Government assured the public of its commitment to the students’ safe return. Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris confirmed that security and intelligence agencies have been ordered to locate the girls and apprehend the perpetrators. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, visited Kebbi State, directing Operation FANSAN YANMA troops to intensify search-and-rescue efforts. Shaibu emphasized leveraging intelligence-led operations, supporting local vigilantes and hunters, and maintaining continuous operations until all students are safely recovered.

Public affairs analyst Nduka Odo highlighted the necessity of prioritizing the psychological support for affected families and communities, while also advocating for stronger school safety protocols nationwide. He expressed confidence that collaboration between institutions and communities could rebuild trust and mitigate insecurity, stressing that Nigeria has the capacity to protect its citizens if sustained, transparent efforts are made.