Maga, Kebbi State — Governor Nasir Idris has pledged that his administration is fully committed to rescuing the 25 students abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area.
Speaking to journalists on Monday after meeting with security agencies, traditional rulers, parents and other stakeholders, Idris described the incident as “deeply unfortunate” and condemned the killing of the school’s vice principal during the attack.
“The unfortunate incident has already occurred, and we came to see things for ourselves,” he said. “We met with the parents whose children were abducted to give them confidence and to assure them that we will do everything possible to ensure the safe rescue of their children.”
The governor explained that his visit was intended to assess the situation firsthand, console affected families and boost public confidence. “We have also urged them to remain confident, as the security agencies are doing the needful. That is the essence of coming to Maga, to support our people, give them encouragement, and strengthen their hope,” he added.
The attack, which took place in the early hours of Monday, left the school’s vice principal dead and saw armed bandits seize 25 students before fleeing into nearby forests. Security operatives have since been deployed to track the perpetrators.
Parents of the abducted girls expressed anguish and fear. One father told reporters, “We cannot sleep, we cannot eat. Every hour feels like a year until our daughters return.” A mother broke down in tears, saying, “We sent our children to school to learn, not to be taken away. We beg the government, please bring them back alive.” Another parent added, “We are living in fear. This is not the first time schools have been attacked in Kebbi. We want action, not just promises.”
Local residents said the attack has thrown the community into mourning. A teacher at the school remarked, “We are devastated. Our students are our children, and their absence is unbearable.” Traditional rulers in the area urged the government to intensify security patrols, warning that repeated attacks could force more schools to shut down.
National and international reactions have added pressure. Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former vice president, said he was “devastated” by the abduction and called for stronger measures against insecurity. U.S. Congressman Riley Moore noted that the attack occurred in a Christian enclave and urged global attention to violence against civilians in northern Nigeria. Aid organizations warned that repeated abductions risk undermining education across the region, with parents increasingly reluctant to send children to school.
Governor Idris assured families that security forces were working tirelessly to secure the release of the girls, stressing that his administration would not relent until they were safely reunited with their families.
