Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to urgently reform and strengthen the country’s security framework following the recent abduction of schoolgirls in the Maga community of the state. The governor made the appeal after the disturbing attack that targeted the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School.
The incident, which took place last week, involved armed bandits who invaded the school premises and tragically killed the Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, and a watchman. According to officials, no fewer than twenty five students were kidnapped, an event that has sparked widespread national concern about the vulnerability of educational institutions, particularly in the North Western region of Nigeria. Okay News reports that the development has reignited discussions on the recurring pattern of school attacks across the region.
Governor Idris reiterated his call for federal action on Monday during his meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Tajudeen Abbas, who led a government delegation to Birnin Kebbi. The team visited the state to express solidarity and convey condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and to the people of Kebbi State at large.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas condemned the abduction, describing the development as “a heartbreaking and totally unacceptable assault on our children.” He stressed that the House of Representatives fully supported the people and government of Kebbi State, while also calling for national recognition of the heroism displayed by the slain Vice Principal.
“Malam Hassan Makuku died while protecting the children under his care. His sacrifice must never be forgotten. We appeal to the governor to immortalise him so future generations will know the price he paid,” the Speaker declared.
As part of the delegation’s humanitarian gesture, the Speaker announced a donation of twenty million Naira to the family of the late Vice Principal and another ten million Naira to the family of the school’s slain watchman. He expressed hopes that these support measures would provide some relief as efforts continue to rescue the abducted students.
“We will not rest until every girl is brought home,” Abbas said while praying for the safe return of the kidnapped children.
In his response, Governor Idris expressed gratitude for the visit but insisted that he was still awaiting critical answers from security agencies regarding the operational gaps that allowed the attack to occur without resistance.
“There is no reason armed men should invade a school and escape without resistance. I know my earlier comments ruffled some feathers, but I owe the people of this state the truth. We have supported all security agencies, so when something goes wrong, our people deserve explanations,” he said.
He added that the country faced broader threats that required urgent national attention.
“With what we are seeing recently, it is clear enemies are attempting to scuttle the democracy we enjoy. That is why I am calling on President Tinubu to review the security architecture of this country,” Idris stated.
Governor Idris also accepted the request of the Speaker to honour the late Vice Principal by renaming the affected school.
“Malam Hassan Makuku paid the ultimate price. We will rename the school to keep his memory alive,” he affirmed.
The incident in Maga adds to a troubling history of school abductions in Nigeria’s North West region, echoing previous tragedies in Chibok, Kankara, Jangebe, and Dapchi. Security agencies have reported that search and rescue operations are ongoing, even as families continue to wait anxiously for the return of the missing students.
