The Northern States Governors’ Forum, NSGF, on Monday, condemned the abduction of 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, GGCSS, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, and the killing of the school’s vice principal, Malami Hassan Yakubu Makuku.
Reacting to the attack, the NSGF Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, described the assault as “tragic, senseless, and utterly unacceptable.” In a statement signed by his aide, Ismaila Misilli, Yahaya stressed that the continued targeting of schools threatens the stability of the region and the nation’s educational future.
On behalf of his colleagues, Yahaya commiserated with the Kebbi State government, the families of the abducted students, and those who lost their lives in the attack. He assured Governor Nasir Idris of the Forum’s solidarity and support during this difficult period.
“Schools must be sanctuaries of learning, not targets of violence. Continued assaults on educational institutions threaten to reverse gains made in improving school enrolment and curbing the out-of-school crisis in the region,” Yahaya said.
He also expressed concern for the trauma the abducted schoolgirls may be enduring and called for “an immediate and well-coordinated operation by security agencies to ensure their safe rescue and the arrest of the perpetrators.”
Reaffirming the NSGF’s commitment to work with the Federal Government and security institutions, Yahaya emphasized that the safety, education, and welfare of young Nigerians remain a top priority.
He concluded by praying for the safe and swift return of the abducted students and urged communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in efforts to eliminate criminality in the region.