Atiku Abubakar Reacts to Kebbi School Attack, Urges Stronger Security Measures

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the recent attack on Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, calling for urgent action to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, Atiku described the incident, which claimed the life of the school’s Vice-Principal and saw several female students abducted, as a “tragic reminder of the worsening insecurity in our nation.”

He also condemned the killing of an All Progressives Congress chieftain, Umar Moriki, and mass abductions in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where bandits kidnapped entire families, including women and children. “These acts of barbarity have no place in a civilised society,” Atiku added.

Highlighting the wider security challenges across the country, he cited continued violence in Plateau and Benue states, and the displacement of residents in Shanono LGA, Kano State, as evidence that Nigeria’s security situation has reached an intolerable level.

“Nigeria cannot continue on this path. I call on the Federal Government to urgently review and strengthen its security architecture, deploy adequate personnel across vulnerable communities, and intensify intelligence-led operations. Our citizens deserve protection, dignity, and peace nothing less,” he said.

Earlier reports indicate that gunmen attacked the Maga school in the early hours of Monday, killing at least one staff member and abducting an unspecified number of students. A security guard was also injured during the attack.

The Nigeria Police Force and the military have since launched coordinated search-and-rescue operations. According to a police statement, tactical units engaged the assailants, but the bandits escaped with the students. Security operatives are combing known bandit routes and surrounding forests to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging the public to remain vigilant and supportive of ongoing security operations.