The Federal Government has condemned the deadly attack on the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, which claimed the life of Vice-Principal Malam Hassan Makuku and led to the abduction of at least 25 female students.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described the assault as “reprehensible” and assured Nigerians that security and intelligence agencies have been directed to locate, rescue, and safely return the abducted students.

“Our security and intelligence agencies have been issued clear directives to locate, rescue, and safely return the students, and to ensure that the perpetrators face justice. The Federal Government will not relent until this objective is achieved,” Idris said.

He added that President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that protecting every Nigerian, especially schoolchildren, remains a solemn responsibility of the State. The minister further noted that Nigeria is recalibrating its military, policing, and intelligence capabilities, while reinforcing cooperation with ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to disrupt terrorist and criminal networks.

Defence Ministry Reacts

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, also condemned the incident, describing it as “unacceptable.” In a statement signed by ministry spokesperson Enderline Chukwu, Matawalle urged security agencies to act urgently and in concert to secure the safe release of the students.

“The government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has directed that the state’s security apparatus swing into immediate action to ensure the abducted students are released unharmed,” Matawalle said, while appealing for calm in affected communities.

He extended condolences to the family of the slain vice principal and prayed for Allah’s mercy upon him.

Opposition Leaders Speak

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed devastation over the attack, describing it as another grim reminder of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. In a post on his official X handle, Atiku also condemned the killing of APC chieftain Umar Moriki in Zamfara and mass abductions in Tsafe Local Government Area.

“Similar tragedies continue to unfold in Plateau, Benue, and other states, where communities are being torn apart by violence. Nigeria cannot continue on this path. I call on the Federal Government to urgently review and strengthen its security architecture, deploy adequate personnel across vulnerable communities, and intensify intelligence-led operations,” Atiku said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also issued a statement through its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, describing the Kebbi school attack as “tragic” and accusing the APC-led administration of failing in its primary duty to safeguard lives and property.

“This tragic incident further highlights the alarming rise in insecurity that has become the lived reality of majority of Nigerians under the Tinubu-led APC administration. We commiserate with the parents of the abducted students, the family of the slain Vice Principal, as well as the staff, students, and management of the affected school,” the PDP said.

The party also cited recent abductions in Nasarawa, Plateau, Kano, and Katsina, warning that insecurity has become a national crisis.

Kebbi State Government’s Response

Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has assured parents of the abducted schoolgirls that efforts are underway to rescue their children. Security operatives, including police tactical units, military personnel, and vigilantes, have been deployed to comb forests and known bandit routes in search of the victims.

Background

Gunmen invaded the Maga school late Sunday night, killing Vice-Principal Malam Hassan Makuku and abducting dozens of students. Witnesses said the attackers operated without resistance, causing widespread panic and grief across the community.

The incident has drawn national outrage, with calls for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture. It also echoes past tragedies, including the Birnin Yauri abduction in 2021, when dozens of schoolgirls were taken by bandits in Kebbi State.