By Jabir Ridwan
The Kebbi Development Forum (KDF) received with profound shock the tragic news of the attack on Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Zuru Emirate, which resulted in the killing of the school’s Vice Principal and the abduction of 25 students.
This distressing incident has inflicted deep pain on the families affected and heightened anxiety across the state. Such violence is unacceptable in any society.
In a press release signed by its Chairman, Dr. Saidu Abubakar, and made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi Development Forum (KDF) described the recent attack on Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, as both distressing and unacceptable.
“This tragic incident has caused profound pain to the affected families and sparked widespread concern throughout the state,” the statement noted.
KDF extended its condolences to the family of the slain Vice Principal, who died protecting his students, and to the parents of the abducted schoolgirls. It also expressed solidarity with the people of Kebbi State, particularly the Zuru Emirate, while praying for the students’ safe and prompt rescue.
The organization voiced alarm over reports that security personnel were withdrawn from the school shortly before the attack, despite earlier deployment based on intelligence.
KDF urged the state government to take urgent steps to strengthen security, including launching a coordinated search-and-rescue mission, commissioning an independent inquiry into the conduct of security agents, and enhancing the role of the Special Adviser on Security.
Additional recommendations included fortifying school security, empowering local governments in security matters, converting the Zuru Airstrip into an operational base for the Nigerian Air Force, and creating a State Security Response and Coordination Centre.
Finally, KDF called for unity among Kebbi citizens in supporting the government, the affected families, and communities, urging persistent prayers and collective efforts for the safe return of the abducted girls and restoration of peace.