Bandits stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing Vice-Principal Hassan Yakubu Makuku and abducting 25 students.
Maga, already reeling from repeated attacks in recent months, was thrown into fresh panic when the assailants struck around 5 a.m. on Monday.
Aliyu Yakubu, a resident of the community, said the bandits met no resistance as they invaded the school.
“The attack has created panic among residents of Maga. We are now in fear and mourning,” he said.
Yakubu added that Makuku was shot while attempting to shield students from being taken away.
“He was shot as he tried to protect his students. It’s a great loss for the community and the school,” he lamented.
Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, initially could not be reached for comment but later confirmed the incident. He explained that the attackers scaled the school’s fence, fired sporadically, and abducted the students from their hostel.
“The police tactical units engaged them in a gun duel, but the bandits had already whisked the students away,” Abubakar said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ahmed Idris, announced that Deputy Governor Senator Umar Tafida had been dispatched to the school to assess the situation 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 will take charge once he returns,” Idris stated.