In a horrifying development, armed bandits struck the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, in the early hours of November 17, 2025. The attackers scaled school fences, opened fire, and abducted 25 female students, while tragically killing the school’s vice principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, who reportedly tried to shield the girls.
The incident has reignited national anxiety over insecurity in Nigeria’s school system, especially in the north. Security forces—including the police, military, and local vigilante groups—are leading a rescue mission, combing nearby forests and potential escape routes for the abducted students.
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the attack in the strongest terms, ordering security agencies to spare no effort in rescuing the girls and bringing the perpetrators to justice. He has also called on local communities to deepen cooperation with security forces, pointing out that public intelligence-sharing is critical to safeguarding vulnerable areas.
Student bodies have responded with alarm: the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) described the abduction as a devastating blow—not just to the affected families, but to the nation’s conscience. NANS is demanding stronger, proactive security measures around schools, especially in regions prone to bandit attacks. The group warns that reactive responses no longer suffice; preventive security architecture must be strengthened to protect students from becoming targets.
The incident has reignited national anxiety over insecurity in Nigeria’s school system, especially in the north. Security forces—including the police, military, and local vigilante groups—are leading a rescue mission, combing nearby forests and potential escape routes for the abducted students.
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the attack in the strongest terms, ordering security agencies to spare no effort in rescuing the girls and bringing the perpetrators to justice. He has also called on local communities to deepen cooperation with security forces, pointing out that public intelligence-sharing is critical to safeguarding vulnerable areas.
Student bodies have responded with alarm: the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) described the abduction as a devastating blow—not just to the affected families, but to the nation’s conscience. NANS is demanding stronger, proactive security measures around schools, especially in regions prone to bandit attacks. The group warns that reactive responses no longer suffice; preventive security architecture must be strengthened to protect students from becoming targets.