Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, calling it a heartbreaking reflection of Nigeria’s escalating insecurity challenges.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Monday, Atiku said he was deeply troubled by the assault, which resulted in the death of the school’s Vice-Principal and the abduction of several female students.
“I am devastated by the news of the tragic attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, which claimed the life of the Vice-Principal and led to the abduction of innocent students. This is yet another reminder of the worsening insecurity in our nation,” he wrote.
He also condemned the killing of an All Progressives Congress chieftain, Umar Moriki, as well as the mass abductions in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where entire families were kidnapped.
“These acts of barbarity have no place in a civilised society,” he said.
Atiku expressed concern over continuing violence across Plateau, Benue, and other states, saying several communities were living in fear. He pointed out that residents of Shanono LGA in Kano State had begun fleeing their homes, highlighting what he described as a security crisis that had become unbearable.
“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. Our citizens deserve protection, dignity, and peace—nothing less,” he added.
Earlier reports indicated that gunmen stormed Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in the early hours of Monday, killing a staff member and abducting an unconfirmed number of students. A security guard was also injured during the attack.
Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the military, have since launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission to locate the students.
According to a statement shared on the Nigeria Police Force WhatsApp channel, police tactical units engaged the attackers shortly after the incident, but the gunmen had already fled with the abducted students.
The police said officers, working alongside the military and other security outfits, were combing known bandit routes and surrounding forests to track down the perpetrators and recover the victims.
“In light of this regrettable incident, the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Bello M. Sani, reiterated the command’s unwavering determination to safeguard the lives and property of residents. He appealed to the public to remain calm, vigilant and continue supporting police operations to maintain peace and stability,” the statement added.
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