‘Nigeria can’t continue on this path’ – Atiku condemns attack on Kebbi school

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has asked the federal government to urgently overhaul the country’s security architecture.

Abubakar was reacting to the gunmen attack on the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) Maga in Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi state.

Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi, spokesperson of the Kebbi police command, said the assailants abducted 25 students during the incident.

He said the attackers were “armed with sophisticated weapons” and “stormed the school around 4:00 am, engaging police personnel on duty in a gun duel”.

The police confirmed that Hassan Makuku, the vice-principal of the school, was killed during the attack.

The command added that Ali Shehu, a security guard, sustained gunshot wounds to his right hand.

A teacher said the gunmen escaped towards neighbouring Zamfara with the abducted students.

Bello Muhammad Sani, commissioner of police in Kebbi, said additional tactical units, alongside soldiers and vigilance groups, had been deployed to the community.

Reacting in a statement on Monday, Abubakar said he was “devastated” by the attack and the killing of the school’s vice-principal.

He said the incident underscored the “worsening insecurity” confronting Nigerians.

Abubakar also denounced the murder of Umar Moriki, an APC chieftain, and the mass abduction of residents in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara.

“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,” Abubakar wrote on X.

“This is yet another reminder of the worsening insecurity in our nation.

“I equally condemn the killing of an APC chieftain, Umar Moriki, and the mass abductions in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara, where entire families including women and children were taken by bandits.

“These acts of barbarity have no place in a civilised society.

“Similar tragedies continue to unfold in Plateau, Benue, and other states, where communities are being torn apart by violence.

“In Shanono LGA of Kano, residents are fleeing their homes in fear, highlighting a national security challenge that has reached intolerable levels.

“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.”