A fresh wave of terror has swept through the Zuru Emirate in Kebbi State after armed bandits carried out a midnight attack on the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area.
The assailants stormed the school on Sunday night, killing the Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and abducting 25 students. Witnesses said the gunmen encountered virtually no resistance as they moved through the school, causing widespread panic among students and staff.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, condemned the attack, describing it as “unacceptable”, and ordered security forces to launch an immediate rescue operation. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence spokesperson, Enderline Chukwu, he urged security agencies to act swiftly to locate and secure the safe release of the abducted girls.
A resident, Murjanatu Hassan Gishiri, confirmed the incident, calling the attack “a heartbreaking tragedy that has plunged the entire region into fear and mourning.” She reported that the bandits arrived late at night and operated unchallenged.
Makuku was reportedly shot while attempting to protect students during the raid. Community members have since been offering prayers for him, calling for Allah’s mercy and comfort for his family.
Although security agencies are yet to issue a comprehensive briefing, local residents are demanding urgent government intervention to rescue the girls and strengthen security in schools vulnerable to frequent armed attacks.
The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the incident and announced that officers have been deployed to the area, while others are pursuing the fleeing gunmen.
The school’s Principal, who survived the attack and requested anonymity, said the gunmen struck at midnight while students slept. She confirmed that Makuku was killed while resisting the attackers, who later forced 25 girls into the bush before escaping. The school has now been shut down indefinitely, and students have been sent home.
Some of the survivors told Newsmen how they escaped. An SS3 student, Aisha Maga, said she scaled the fence to flee. Another younger student said local residents hid her from the bandits. A watchman said he concealed himself inside a toilet until the gunfire subsided.
Governor Nasir Idris travelled urgently from Abuja to Zuru to assess the aftermath of the attack and meet with security officials.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, another group of bandits attacked motorists along the Yauri–Kontagora Highway and raided communities within the Yauri Emirate. Unconfirmed reports indicated that two people were shot and hospitalised.
Minister Matawalle reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had ordered immediate action to rescue the abducted students, urging security forces to collaborate in bringing the perpetrators to justice. He also appealed for calm and offered condolences to the family of the slain Vice Principal and other victims.
“I pray that Allah grants him mercy and a peaceful resting place,” he said.
