Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture following the abduction of 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in the state.
The attack, carried out by armed bandits last week, also claimed the lives of the school’s Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, and a watchman.
Governor Idris made the appeal on Monday while receiving the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who led a federal delegation to Birnin Kebbi to sympathise with the state government and families affected.
Speaker Abbas condemned the abduction, describing it as “a heartbreaking and totally unacceptable assault on our children.” He also called for national recognition of the slain Vice Principal, stating that Makuku “died while protecting the children under his care.”
The Speaker announced a ₦20 million donation to the family of the late Vice Principal and ₦10 million to the family of the watchman. He assured residents that efforts to rescue the abducted students were ongoing.
Responding, Governor Idris expressed appreciation for the visit but insisted the military must explain the security lapses that allowed the attack.
“There is no reason armed men should invade a school and escape without resistance,” he said, adding that the incident was part of a wider threat to the country’s stability.
He also agreed to rename the school in honour of Makuku, noting that “he paid the ultimate price.”
The Maga abduction adds to a troubling list of school attacks in the North-West, echoing previous incidents in Chibok, Kankara, Jangebe and Dapchi. Security agencies say rescue operations are ongoing as families await the safe return of the abducted girls.
