The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the deadly attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, where gunmen killed the Vice Principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and abducted 25 female students.
In a statement on Tuesday, NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, described the incident, which occurred in the early hours of November 17, as “devastating,” particularly because it happened on a day set aside globally to celebrate International Students’ Day.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students is deeply shattered and inconsolably heartbroken by the attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, where armed assailants brutally killed the Vice Principal and abducted 25 innocent female students,” the statement said.
Oladoja noted that the tragedy ruined planned International Students’ Day celebrations and further underscored the vulnerability of schools across northern Nigeria, where mass abductions have repeatedly occurred.
“These incidents collectively underscore the urgent need for robust preventive security strategies, rather than the usual reactive measures deployed only after lives have been destroyed and families shattered,” the association warned.
NANS outlined four key demands, beginning with an appeal for immediate rescue efforts.
The association called on the Federal Government, Kebbi State Government, and the nation’s security agencies to deploy all available resources to ensure the swift return of the abducted students. It also demanded proactive security reinforcement around schools, especially girls’ boarding institutions, alongside intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks responsible for mass abductions.
NANS also expressed condolences to the family of the slain Vice Principal, whom it praised for his bravery.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Hassan Yakubu Makuku, whose courage in resisting the attackers cost him his life. We also pray for the swift recovery of the injured staff member,” the association said.
“Our hearts go out to the parents and families of the kidnapped students, we stand with you.”
