Bandits attacked Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, early Monday, killing the Vice Principal, shooting the Principal, and abducting at least 25 female students, authorities have confirmed.
Bandits raid Kebbi school
Armed men were said to have breached the school’s fence around 5 a.m. before firing indiscriminately as they moved through the compound.
The school’s principal, identified as Makuku, was shot while trying to protect the students.
Police spokesperson SP Nafiu Abubakar later confirmed the attack, saying officers responded swiftly but were unable to prevent the abductions.
“The police tactical units deployed in the school engaged them into a gun duel but the suspected bandits had already abducted them in their hostel,” Abubakar said.
Authorities respond amid rising insecurity
The Kebbi State Government said the Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Tafida, had been dispatched to the scene on behalf of Governor Nasir Idris, who is currently out of the state.
“The deputy governor is on his way to know the exact situation. The governor is not in the state for now, but his deputy will go on his behalf until he returns at any moment from now,” Chief Press Secretary Ahmed Idris stated.
Local residents reported that the Vice Principal was killed instantly, while the Principal sustained gunshot wounds.
“He was shot as he tried to protect his students from being taken by the bandits. It’s a great loss for the community and the school,” a community source said.
Security operatives were still searching surrounding forests for the abducted students as of Monday afternoon.
The state government said further updates would be provided after the Deputy Governor’s assessment.
The incident adds to a troubling pattern of attacks on schools in northern Nigeria, where mass abductions for ransom have become increasingly common.