Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has again raised alarm over Nigeria’s deepening security crisis following a wave of violent attacks and mass kidnappings across several states.
“I am devastated by the news of the tragic attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, which claimed the life of the Vice-Principal and led to the abduction of innocent students”, Atiku said in a post his official X handle on Monday.
Atiku described the situation as “yet another reminder of the worsening insecurity in our nation,” calling for urgent action from the Federal Government.
He condemned the killing of APC chieftain Umar Moriki and the recent mass abductions in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara, where bandits reportedly whisked away entire families. “These acts of barbarity have no place in a civilized society,” he wrote.
Atiku also expressed concern over recurring attacks in Plateau, Benue, and other crisis-prone communities.
He highlighted the situation in Shanono LGA of Kano, where residents have begun fleeing their homes due to fear of escalating violence.
“Nigeria cannot continue on this path,” he warned, urging authorities to overhaul the security architecture, deploy more personnel to vulnerable communities, and scale up intelligence-driven operations. “Our citizens deserve protection, dignity, and peace, nothing less.”
Police confirm mass abduction of students in Kebbi
His remarks came just as police in Kebbi State confirmed the abduction of 25 female students of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu LGA.
The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, said in a statement issued Monday in Birnin Kebbi that the school was attacked shortly after 4 a.m. Armed bandits, he explained, arrived “shooting sporadically” and were confronted by police tactical teams stationed in the area. Despite the exchange of gunfire, the attackers managed to scale the school fence and move the students out of their hostel before escaping.
Abubakar also reported that one resident, identified as Hassan Makuku, was killed during the assault, while another, Ali Shehu, sustained an injury to his hand.
Following the attack, the police spokesperson said additional tactical units, soldiers, and local vigilantes were deployed to track the bandits’ movement through nearby forests. Search operations, he added, are ongoing with the goal of rescuing the girls and apprehending the perpetrators.
He noted that the Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, and appealed to residents to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of security operations.
The latest kidnapping adds to growing public anxiety nationwide—concerns echoed by Atiku’s call for immediate reforms to prevent further bloodshed and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.
