How bandits kidnapped 25 Kebbi schoolgirls

Bandits in the early hours of yesterday kidnapped 25 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, GGCSS, Maga, Kebbi State, killing the principal in the process.

According to sources, the attackers killed the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, before abducting several schoolgirls.

Witnesses said the bandits operated without resistance and caused widespread panic, throwing the entire area into deep fear and mourning.

Makuku, it was learned, was reportedly shot while attempting to protect the students during the invasion.

Maga, a community located in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of the state, has come under a series of attacks recently.

A resident of Maga, Aliyu Yakubu, said the bandits invaded the school around 5 am yesterday without any resistance.

He said the school vice principal, Makuku, was shot while trying to protect the students during the attack.

“He was shot as he tried to protect his students from being taken by the bandits. It’s a great loss for the community and the school,” he said.

Another resident, Sulaiman Abdulllahi, said the bandits killed the vice principal of the school, adding that so many yet-to-be identified dead bodies were seen in the school premises

“They came in large numbers at night, began shooting sporadically, before they got access to the school,’’ he said.

He added that air force jets hovered over the sky by 8 am after the attack, while the area was cordoned off by heavily armed security personnel.

Community members have been offering prayers for his soul, asking Allah to grant him mercy, a peaceful resting place, and to comfort his family and loved ones over the painful and unjust loss.

Police confirm Kebbi school invasion

Confirming the attack, the Public Relations Officer of the state police command, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, said the attackers scaled the school’s fence to carry out the attack.

According to him, the bandits, who were armed with sophisticated weapons, shot sporadically before whisking away 25 students.

He said: “The police tactical units deployed in the school engaged them into a gun duel but the suspected bandits had already abducted them in their hostel.’’

Concerned parents and residents, Vanguard gathered, are awaiting official updates on the fate of the abducted girls.