Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed devastation following the brutal abduction of 25 female students from a secondary school in Kebbi State by armed gunmen.
Dawn Raid on School Compound
The terrifying incident occurred between 4 am and 5 am on Monday, November 17, when unidentified armed men stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, located in the Danko district of Danko Wasagu Local Government Area. According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers fired shots into the air during their assault on the school facility.
Police personnel stationed at the school engaged the invaders in a confrontation, but the gunmen successfully breached the compound and escaped with the students. The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed in an official statement that one resident, Hassan Makuku, was killed during the violent attack. Another individual, Ali Shehu, sustained hand injuries during the assault.
Political Leaders React to Security Crisis
Atiku Abubakar, who served as Nigeria's vice president and remains an influential political figure, strongly condemned the kidnapping. In his reaction, he emphasized the urgent need for the federal government to reassess its approach to combating the escalating insecurity plaguing northern communities.
The presidential hopeful lamented that numerous villages across northern Nigeria continue to suffer from consistent bandit attacks, with civilian populations bearing the brunt of the violence. His statement highlighted the growing concern among political leaders about the security situation in the region.
Public Outcry and Social Media Reactions
The former vice president's condemnation sparked immediate reactions from supporters and concerned citizens across social media platforms. Many users echoed his concerns about the deteriorating security situation.
One user, Wachor Zakks-Manuel, reminded Atiku of a similar incident in Southern Kaduna where a Catholic priest was abducted and another priest's brother was killed. Another commenter, Bishop Boye, emphasized that these abducted girls represent real people with futures and families, not just statistics.
Some reactions took a more political tone, with Ekene Fortunate criticizing the government's priorities amid the security crisis. User Spotless called for the declaration of a state of emergency on insecurity, while Gbenga suggested the problem extends beyond government to Northern leaders and elites.
The abduction in Kebbi occurs against the backdrop of ongoing security challenges in northwestern Nigeria, where bandit groups have repeatedly targeted educational institutions and rural communities.
