Report on the Abduction of 25 Schoolgirls and Killing of Vice Principal in Kebbi State
Introduction
On November 17, 2025, Kebbi State in northwestern Nigeria was struck by a tragic incident that has drawn national and international attention. Armed bandits attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, located in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area. The assault resulted in the abduction of 25 schoolgirls and the killing of the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku. This report provides a comprehensive account of the incident, its immediate aftermath, and the broader implications for security and education in Nigeria.
Details of the Attack
According
to eyewitnesses and official statements, the bandits stormed the school on
Sunday night. They operated without resistance, creating widespread panic among
students, staff, and the surrounding community. During the invasion, Vice
Principal Malam Hassan Makuku attempted to protect the students but was fatally
shot. His death has been described as an act of bravery, as he sought to shield
the children from harm.
The
attackers abducted 25 female students, whisking them away into an unknown
location. The incident has left the community in mourning and fear, with
parents and residents anxiously awaiting updates on the fate of the abducted
girls.
Official Response
The Kebbi
State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the
abduction of 25 students. In response, the state government dispatched the
Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Tafida, to assess the situation on behalf of
Governor Nasir Idris, who was outside the state at the time. The Chief Press Secretary
to the governor, Ahmed Idris, emphasized that the deputy governor’s visit was
intended to gather firsthand information and reassure the community of
government intervention.
Security
operatives have reportedly been deployed to comb nearby forests in search of
the abducted students. However, as of the latest updates, no official
confirmation has been made regarding their rescue.
Community Reaction
The
killing of Vice Principal Makuku has sparked deep grief among community
members, who have offered prayers for his soul and expressed condolences to his
family. Residents described him as a dedicated educator who sacrificed his life
in an attempt to protect his students. The abduction of the schoolgirls has
also triggered widespread fear, with parents and guardians demanding urgent
action to secure the release of their children.
Broader Context
This
incident is part of a troubling pattern of school abductions in northern
Nigeria, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted educational institutions.
Such attacks undermine the safety of schools, discourage parents from sending
their children to pursue education, and exacerbate the already fragile security
situation in the region. The Kebbi attack highlights the persistent challenge
of banditry and the urgent need for stronger security measures to protect
vulnerable communities.
Conclusion
The
abduction of 25 schoolgirls and the killing of Vice Principal Malam Hassan
Makuku in Kebbi State is a tragic reminder of the ongoing insecurity in
Nigeria’s northwestern region. While government officials and security agencies
have pledged to respond, the incident underscores the vulnerability of schools
and the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to safeguard education. The
community continues to grieve the loss of a courageous educator while holding
onto hope for the safe return of the abducted students.
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