Kebbi Attack: Schools Must Not Be Targets of Violence – Northern Governors’ Forum

The Northern States Governors’ Forum has condemned the abduction of 25 students of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, and the killing of the school’s vice principal, Malami Hassan Yakubu Makuku.

Reacting to the attack on Monday, NSGF Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, described the incident as “tragic, senseless, and utterly unacceptable.”

The statement, issued through his media aide, Ismaila Misilli, warned that repeated assaults on educational institutions threaten the future of schooling across the northern region.

On behalf of his colleagues, Yahaya extended condolences to the Kebbi State Government and families affected by the kidnapping and killing.

He assured Governor Nasir Idris of the Forum’s solidarity and support during the turbulent period.

“Schools must be sanctuaries of learning, not targets of violence. Continued assaults on educational institutions threaten to reverse gains made in improving school enrolment and curbing the out-of-school crisis in the region,” Yahaya said.

The NSGF chairman expressed deep concern for the wellbeing of the abducted girls and urged security agencies to mount an urgent and well-coordinated rescue effort.

He called for the immediate arrest of the attackers, stressing that such brutality cannot be allowed to continue unchecked.

Yahaya restated the Forum’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government and security institutions to safeguard the lives, welfare, and education of young Nigerians.

He emphasised that ensuring school safety remains a top priority for northern governors.

The Forum concluded by praying for the quick and safe return of the abducted students and appealed to communities to maintain vigilance and support security agencies in tackling criminality across the region.