Cynthia Ezegwu
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, describing it as a tragic reflection of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.
In a statement on Monday via his X handle, Atiku said he was devastated by the incident, which led to the killing 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 All Progressives Congress chieftain Umar Moriki, as well as mass abductions in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where entire families, including women and children, were taken by gunmen. Atiku described the attacks as “acts of barbarity” that should not occur in a civilised society.
The former vice president further decried ongoing violence in Plateau, Benue and other states, noting that communities continue to suffer displacement and loss. He added that residents of Shanono LGA in Kano State were fleeing their homes in fear, reflecting what he called a national security crisis that had become intolerable.
“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 said.
Gunmen had attacked the Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in the early hours of Monday, killing one staff member and abducting an unspecified number of students. A school guard was also injured in the incident.
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The Nigeria Police Force and the military have since launched an intensive search-and-rescue operation. In a statement on its WhatsApp channel, the police confirmed that tactical units deployed to the school engaged the attackers in a gun duel but were unable to prevent the abductions.
According to the statement, operatives from the command’s tactical unit, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, have been mobilised to comb bandit routes and nearby forests in an effort to rescue the students and apprehend the perpetrators.
The Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, Bello M. Sani, urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, assuring the public of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.