Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has strongly condemned the brutal dawn attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State. During the attack, gunmen reportedly killed the school’s Vice Principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and abducted 25 female students.
Speaking on Tuesday, Malami described the incident as “heartbreaking” and an assault on the nation’s collective humanity, educational progress, and community peace. He expressed deep sorrow over the abduction of innocent schoolgirls and the killing of the vice principal, highlighting that no family should endure such trauma.
“My thoughts and prayers are firmly with the families of the abducted students. No parent deserves the agony of uncertainty, and no child should ever be subjected to such trauma,” Malami said, highlighting the emotional toll on families and communities affected by the attack.
The former minister also extended solidarity to the grieving families and the people of Kebbi State, noting that the attack had shaken the conscience of the entire country.
Malami used the occasion to call on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to intensify rescue operations with urgency, precision, and commitment. He urged authorities to deploy every available resource and intelligence capability to ensure the safe return of the abducted students.
“I call on the Federal Government and all relevant security agencies to intensify ongoing rescue efforts with urgency, precision, and unwavering commitment. Every resource, intelligence capability, and coordinated action must be deployed to ensure that these children are safely reunited with their families without delay,” he said.
He further stressed that the attack exposes vulnerabilities in the country’s security system, particularly around schools in rural and remote areas. Malami urged a review and strengthening of security measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the need to reinforce security architecture around educational institutions, especially in vulnerable rural areas. Our children’s safety must be paramount,” he added.
School abductions have become a recurring security challenge in northern Nigeria. Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have frequently targeted schools, often abducting students and attacking staff. Notable past incidents include the 2014 Chibok girls’ abduction in Borno State and subsequent attacks in Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna states.
These attacks not only endanger the lives of children and teachers but also disrupt education, create fear in communities, and undermine national development. Experts have warned that unless the government implements stronger security measures, particularly in remote areas, such attacks are likely to continue.
Malami’s comments come at a time when the federal government has faced increasing criticism over its handling of school security. Education stakeholders have consistently called for a combination of military presence, community policing, and intelligence-led operations to prevent abductions and attacks on schools.
The killing of Vice Principal Makuku and the abduction of 25 girls have left families and communities devastated. Residents of Maga expressed grief and anger over the attack, describing it as “unimaginable” and a violation of their peaceful way of life. Parents are reportedly staying awake at night, anxious for the safety of their children.
Malami highlighted the importance of national unity, compassion, and decisive action in the face of such attacks. He prayed for the protection of the abducted students, comfort for their families, and guidance for security operatives involved in the rescue mission.
“This is a moment that demands unity and compassion. Nigeria must do more to secure its children,” the former AGF said, highlighting the moral responsibility of both government and citizens in ensuring safety and peace.
Malami echoed these recommendations, insisting that proactive security measures must complement ongoing rescue operations. He urged the government to adopt a holistic approach that combines immediate action with long-term strategies to protect schools and children.
