Terrorists have abducted 25 schoolgirls in the Maga community of Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area in Kebbi State after launching a pre-dawn attack on the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, killing a staff member in the process.
The attack, carried out at about 4:00 a.m. on Monday, was confirmed in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar. He said the armed attackers, wielding sophisticated weapons, invaded the school and opened fire as they forced their way in.
“The police tactical units deployed in the school engaged them in a gun duel,” Abubakar stated. “Unfortunately, the suspected bandits had already scaled the school fence and abducted twenty-five students from their hostel to an unknown destination.”
He also confirmed the death of a staff member, Hassan Makuku, while another, Ali Shehu, sustained a gunshot injury to his right hand.
Following the attack, Abubakar said additional police tactical squads, alongside military personnel and local vigilantes, were immediately mobilised to track the movement of 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 added.
Abubakar further stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, had reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
“The Commissioner appeals to the public to remain calm, vigilant, and continue supporting police operations to maintain peace and stability,” he said.
Also confirming the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, said the state government was closely monitoring the situation.
“The exact number of abducted students is still being verified,” Idris told our correspondent, adding that the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Tafida, had been dispatched to the school to assess the situation on behalf of Governor Nasir Idris, who is currently out of the state.
He assured residents that the government was working with security agencies to secure the safe return of the students and restore normalcy to the community.
Parents and residents of Maga remain in distress as they await further updates on the fate of the abducted schoolgirls.
