Schoolgirls Abduction: Maga community holds special prayer, governor orders probe
The community of Maga has organised a special prayer session in response to the recent abduction of schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga.
The kidnapping, which occurred earlier this week, also claimed the life of the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, leaving the community in shock and grief.
According to local authorities, the special prayer was intended as a spiritual appeal for the safe return of the abducted students.
The Chairman of the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, Hussaini Aliyu, confirmed the gathering, noting that although he could not personally attend due to official duties, he delegated his deputy to represent him.
He highlighted the trauma felt across the community and emphasised that prayer is considered their strongest tool while security agencies continue their search.
The armed assailants reportedly stormed the school in the early hours of Monday, abducting 25 students and killing the vice principal in the process.
The incident has reignited public concern about the safety of schools, particularly in the North-West region of Nigeria, where attacks on educational institutions have become increasingly frequent.
In response to the abduction, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has called for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of military personnel from the school shortly before the attack.
The governor revealed that intelligence had indicated a potential attack, prompting an urgent security meeting.
While the military had initially deployed personnel to protect the school, they reportedly withdrew around 3 a.m., minutes before the bandits struck. Governor Idris has tasked the military with identifying who authorized the withdrawal and ensuring accountability.
The governor made these statements while receiving a sympathy visit from Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in Birnin Kebbi.
The people of Maga have rallied together, expressing deep concern and grief over the incident.
The prayer session reflected both their emotional distress and their hope for divine intervention to secure the safe return of the abducted students.
The incident has sparked calls from various stakeholders for enhanced security measures around schools, particularly in regions vulnerable to bandit attacks, to prevent further tragedies.
