A Devastating Attack on a Nigerian School
A harrowing incident of school kidnapping in Nigeria has once again shocked the nation, as armed bandits attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, located in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The attack, which took place during the early hours of Monday, resulted in the death of the school’s vice principal and the abduction of 25 female students, plunging the community into deep sorrow and fear.
The assault began around 4 a.m., despite warnings from local residents who had already heard reports of previous attacks in nearby villages. A resident of Maga, Malam Abdullahi, shared his account with BBC News Pidgin, describing how the initial sounds of gunfire were mistaken for local vigilantes patrolling the area. However, the true danger became clear when heavy gunfire was heard at 4:30 a.m., and people were seen fleeing from the school as the bandits entered.
Details of the Tragedy
According to Mr. Abdullahi, the bandits first targeted the teachers’ houses before moving on to abduct the students. The tragic death of Hassan Makuku, the school’s vice principal or chief security officer, was recounted by his wife, who described how the attackers asked if he was the head of security. Upon his confirmation, they declared, “Today is your last day.” His final moments were described as heart-wrenching, with him begging to sit down before being shot in the chest.
After the murder, the bandits forced the victim’s daughter to lead them to the students’ hostel. This act of cruelty allowed the attackers to gather all the children and flee with them. In addition, the school’s security guard, Ali Shehu, was injured during the attack.
Residents had reportedly tried to contact security forces before the attack, but soldiers had left the town just two hours earlier. Despite this, the police and military quickly responded to the crisis.
Official Response and Rescue Efforts
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the attack, stating that armed bandits invaded the school around 4 a.m. They used sophisticated weapons to scale the school’s fence and carried out the attack. A police tactical team engaged the bandits in a gunfight, but the attackers managed to escape with the 25 students.
The police also confirmed that Hassan Makuku died in the attack, while Ali Shehu sustained an injury. A combined search-and-rescue operation involving police, military, and vigilantes was launched to track the bandits through suspected escape routes and nearby forests.
In response to the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu issued a directive for an urgent rescue mission, urging security and intelligence agencies to locate, rescue, and safely return the students. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, condemned the attack and pledged that the government would not rest until the objective was achieved.
Military Intensifies Search
The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, visited Kebbi State and ordered troops involved in Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify their efforts. He emphasized the need for continuous operations, both day and night, to ensure the safe return of the abducted girls. The military is conducting a large-scale operation across the Danko/Wasagu forests and surrounding areas, combining ground and air resources.
Mr. Shaibu also visited the traditional ruler of Danko and the school principal, assuring them that the safety of the children is a national priority.
Widespread Condemnation
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political and regional leaders. The Kebbi State Government described the abduction as “condemnable and barbaric,” while Governor Nasir Idris called it “unfortunate.” The Chairperson of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State, labeled the attack “tragic, senseless, and utterly unacceptable.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed devastation over the attack, calling it a reminder of worsening insecurity. The opposition party, PDP, also voiced deep sorrow and highlighted the rising levels of insecurity under the current administration.
A Pattern of School Kidnappings
The Kebbi attack is part of a long history of school kidnappings in northern Nigeria, undermining national security and the right to education. Some of the most notable incidents include:
- Kuriga School (Kaduna State): In March 2023, about 287 students and one teacher were kidnapped.
- Jangebe Girls School (Zamfara State): In February 2021, around 317 students were taken.
- Kankara Science Secondary School (Katsina State): In December 2020, more than 300 students were abducted.
- Dapchi Girls Secondary School (Yobe State): In February 2018, 110 students were kidnapped.
- Chibok Girls Secondary School (Borno State): On April 14, 2014, 276 girls were taken by Boko Haram.
These incidents have become a painful reminder of Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, affecting not only students but also the broader community. As the search continues, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for stronger security measures and greater protection for educational institutions across the country.
