Tension has risen in the Maga community of Kebbi State after terrorists carried out a deadly early-morning raid on the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, where they reportedly kidnapped 25 students and killed a staff member.
According to a statement released on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar Kotarkoshi, the gunmen, armed with advanced weapons, stormed the school around 4:00 am, shooting as they broke in.
He stated, “The police tactical units deployed in the school engaged them in a gun duel.” However, he noted that the attackers had already breached the school’s fence before security operatives could stop them. “Unfortunately, the suspected bandits had already scaled through the fence of the school and abducted twenty-five students from their hostel to an unknown destination.”
He confirmed that a staff member, Hassan Makuku, was fatally shot, while another, Ali Shehu, suffered a gunshot wound to his right hand.
In response to the assault, Abubakar said the command quickly deployed more police tactical teams, alongside soldiers and local vigilantes, to pursue the terrorists and rescue the abducted students.
“They are currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forests with a view to rescuing the abducted students and possibly arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act,” he said.
He added that Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, had restated the command’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property across Kebbi State.
“The Commissioner reiterates the Command’s unwavering determination to safeguard the people of Kebbi State,” Abubakar noted, urging residents to stay calm, alert, and continue supporting security efforts to sustain peace.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, also verified the incident, saying the state government was closely monitoring developments. He explained, “The exact number of abducted students is still being verified.”
He added that the deputy governor, Senator Umar Tafida, had been sent to the school to evaluate the situation on behalf of Governor Nasir Idris, who is currently out of the state.
Idris assured the public that the government is collaborating with security forces to ensure the safe return of the girls and restore order in the area.
Families and residents remain distressed as they wait for updates on the victims’ whereabouts.
A similar incident occurred in June 2021, when bandits abducted students from the Federal Government Girls College, Birnin Yauri, in Kebbi State. Seven months later, in January 2022, 30 students and a teacher were released after prolonged captivity.
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