The police have confirmed the kidnapping of 25 female students of the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, Kebbi State, by terrorists.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar Kotarkoshi, the armed attackers, wielding sophisticated weapons, invaded the school at about 4:00 am and opened fire as they forced their way in.
“The police tactical units deployed in the school engaged them in a gun duel,” the PPRO said.
“Unfortunately, the suspected bandits had already scaled through the fence of the school and abducted twenty-five students from their hostel to an unknown destination.”
He stated that one staff member, Hassan Makuku, was killed, while another, Ali Shehu, had a bullet wound to his right hand.
Following the incident, Abubakar said the command promptly deployed additional police tactical squads alongside military forces and local vigilantes to monitor the movement of the terrorists and rescue the abducted females.
“They are currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forests with a view to rescuing the abducted students and possibly arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act,” he said.
He also revealed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, had reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property throughout the state.
“The Commissioner reiterates the Command’s unwavering determination to safeguard the people of Kebbi State,” Abubakar stated. “He appeals to the public to remain calm and vigilant and continue supporting police operations to maintain peace and stability.”
Also confirming the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, noted the state government was closely monitoring developments.
“The exact number of abducted students is still being verified,” Idris told our correspondent.
“The deputy governor, Senator Umar Tafida, has been dispatched to the school to assess the situation on behalf of Governor Nasir Idris, who is currently out of the state.”
He informed people that the administration was working with security agencies to ensure the students’ safe return and restore normalcy in the town.
Maga’s parents and residents remain distraught as they await further information on the whereabouts of the abducted girls.
In June 2021, bandits kidnapped several students from the Federal Government Girls College in Birnin Yauri, Kebbi State.
According to a local authority, the gunmen released 30 students and a teacher in January 2022, seven months after their capture.
