In a deeply disturbing incident that has drawn national concern, Police React strongly to the abduction of 25 female students after armed bandits stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State. The tragic attack, which left one resident dead and another injured, has intensified fears over student safety in the region and prompted a massive security response.
According to residents and security officials, the kidnappers struck between 4am and 5am on Monday, November 17, invading the school while shooting into the air to create panic. Their loud gunfire woke residents of the Maga community as the attackers headed straight into the school compound. Before many could comprehend what was happening, the gunmen had rounded up dozens of students and forcefully taken them away.
Although police officers stationed at the school confronted the armed group, the intruders had already gained access to the premises and began navigating their escape route with the abducted students. The attackers reportedly operated with speed, leaving no room for early reinforcement to arrive before they vanished into nearby bush paths.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed that the bandits killed a resident identified as Hassan Makuku during the assault. Another resident, Ali Shehu, suffered a gunshot wound to his hand. The command described the attack as “devastating,” adding that immediate steps were taken to activate a full-scale joint rescue mission.
In a statement addressing the incident, the command emphasized that Police React swiftly by deploying additional tactical teams alongside military personnel and vigilante groups. These security units are said to be combing all known bandit routes and scanning surrounding forests in search of the kidnapped students. According to police authorities, the goal is not only to rescue the victims but also to identify and apprehend the criminals responsible for what they termed a “dastardly act.”
The statement reads in part:
“Upon receiving the unfortunate incident, a combined team of additional Police tactical units, military personnel and Vigilantes has been deployed in the area, and they are currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forests with a view to rescue the abducted students and possibly arrest the perpetrators of the dastardly act.”
Post made by Nigeria Police Force
Local sources revealed that the attackers fled through remote forest corridors commonly used by criminal groups operating in the region. These areas, thick with vegetation and difficult terrain, have become notorious hideouts for bandit networks across the North-West. This is why security operatives are focusing heavily on these zones, hoping to track traces of movement left by the kidnappers.
As Police React further with strategic operations, the search-and-rescue mission has expanded beyond Maga to neighbouring communities and forest belts known for bandit activities. Security operatives are using both ground patrols and aerial surveillance provided by collaborating agencies. Officials stress that the rescue operation will continue for as long as necessary.
Community members are shaken by the incident, describing it as one of the most frightening attacks to hit the area this year. Many say the early-morning invasion has left parents in deep distress, anxiously awaiting news of their daughters.
Authorities reaffirmed that securing the safe return of the abducted students remains the top priority. They also assured residents that enhanced security measures are being put in place to prevent future attacks on schools and communities in the state.
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