The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has condemned the abduction of 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, and the killing of the school’s vice principal, Malami Hassan Yakubu Makuku.
NSGF Chairman and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, described the incident as “tragic, senseless, and utterly unacceptable.” In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ismaila Misilli, Yahaya warned that persistent attacks on schools threaten the region’s stability and the country’s educational progress.
Yahaya extended condolences to the Kebbi State government, the families of the abducted students, and the relatives of those killed. He also assured Governor Nasir Idris of the Forum’s support during the crisis.
“Schools must be sanctuaries of learning, not targets of violence,” he said, noting that repeated assaults on educational institutions could reverse gains in enrolment and efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children.
The governor expressed concern about the trauma the abducted students may be experiencing and called for an immediate, coordinated security operation to secure their release and bring the attackers to justice.
Yahaya reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to working with the Federal Government and security agencies to safeguard students and prioritise their education and welfare.
He prayed for the safe return of the schoolgirls and urged communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives in the fight against criminality.