By Frontline Reporters

Survivors of Monday’s violent attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, have recounted the terrifying ordeal during which the Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, was killed and 25 female students abducted by bandits.

The 3 a.m. attack has plunged the community into grief as parents, teachers, and residents struggle with the uncertainty surrounding the missing students. Security agencies, including the police and military, have since launched an intensive search-and-rescue operation.

“They operated for over an hour” — Eyewitnesses

During a visit to the school on Tuesday, parents and eyewitnesses described how the attackers freely operated for more than an hour before fleeing with the students into the forest. The incident mirrors the 2014 Chibok abduction and the 2021 kidnapping at Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri.

The hostel matron, Hajia Maryam Bello, who has served at the school for almost 20 years, said she woke up to the cries of a student.

“I looked through the window and saw many people surrounding the place. One of them was shouting my name, asking me to open the door. I locked myself inside,” she said.

The attackers tried breaking down her door but later moved to the students’ hostel, where they seized several girls.

Parents in anguish

One parent, Abubakar, rushed to the school from the mosque upon hearing the news.

“I saw my younger daughter outside trembling. When I asked for her sister Khadija, she said the bandits had taken her,” he said.

His younger daughter survived by hiding with three others.

Another parent, Mallam Lawali, whose 12-year-old daughter Hawau was abducted, said his wife had not eaten since the incident.

“Government should help us. They are responsible for security,” he pleaded.

Wife of slain vice principal recounts attack

The widow of the late Vice Principal said the gunmen broke into their home first.

“They killed my husband and ordered me to follow them. When I refused, they forced my daughter to lead them to the hostel,” she narrated.

Army intensifies rescue efforts

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, arrived in Kebbi on Tuesday and directed troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA to embark on an intelligence-driven offensive.

“We must find these children. Success is not optional,” he told soldiers, urging round-the-clock pursuit of the kidnappers.

He later met vigilantes and traditional rulers and assured the community of the military’s commitment.

Governor Idris: “Every resource will be deployed”

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who visited the school shortly after the incident, vowed to do “everything humanly possible” to rescue the students. He convened an emergency security meeting in Zuru to reinforce strategies and denied rumours that security personnel were withdrawn from Maga before the attack.

“These claims are politically motivated and dangerous,” he said.

Security operations expand across Kebbi and Zamfara

A combined team of security forces, vigilantes, and hunters has launched sustained ground and aerial surveillance across the forests bordering Kebbi and Zamfara States. Many villagers are now sleeping outdoors fearing further attacks.

Senate demands action on school safety

The Senate condemned the incident following a motion by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi of Kebbi State. Several senators expressed outrage at the frequency of school attacks and questioned the effectiveness of the Safe School Initiative.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for the immediate rescue of the girls and a national review of security strategies.

UNICEF, NBA, and First Lady condemn attack

UNICEF described the abduction as a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect children and schools.

“Students and educational facilities must be safe from attack,” the organisation stated, urging the swift release of the abducted girls.

The Nigerian Bar Association called the incident “a national shame” and criticised the growing climate of impunity. NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, demanded a coordinated rescue mission, improved intelligence operations, and full implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, assuring that President Bola Tinubu had directed security agencies to ensure the girls’ safe return.