Tension gripped Maga community in Kebbi State after terrorists launched a pre-dawn attack on the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, abducting 25 students and killing a staff member.
According to a statement on Monday by Police Public Relations Officer CSP Nafiu Abubakar Kotarkoshi, the attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the school around 4:00 a.m., opening fire as they forced their way in.
“Police tactical units deployed at the school engaged them in a gun duel,” CSP Kotarkoshi said. “Unfortunately, the suspects had already scaled the fence and abducted 25 students from their hostel to an unknown location.”
One staff member, Hassan Makuku, was shot dead, while another, Ali Shehu, sustained a gunshot injury to his right hand.
In response, additional police tactical squads, supported by military personnel and local vigilantes, were deployed to track the terrorists’ movements and rescue the abducted students.
“They are currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forests with a view to rescuing the students and apprehending the perpetrators,” Kotarkoshi said.
He added that Commissioner of Police CP Bello M. Sani reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging the public to remain calm and support security operations.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, confirmed that the state government is monitoring developments closely.
“The exact number of abducted students is still being verified,” Idris said. “Deputy Governor Senator Umar Tafida has 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 is working closely with security agencies to ensure the students’ safe return and restore normalcy to the community.
Parents and residents remain anxious as they await updates on the fate of the abducted girls.
The incident echoes past attacks in Kebbi State, including the June 2021 abduction of students from Federal Government Girls College, Birnin Yauri. Seven months later, in January 2022, 30 students and a teacher were released after months in captivity.
