*Condemns killing of school official, abduction of 25 students
The Kebbi Development Forum (KDF) has expressed regrets over the recent attack by terrorists on a female secondary school and abduction of unsuspecting female students.
The KDF said in a statement that it 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.
The statement signed by the Chairman, Dr Saidu Abubakar and Secretary, Dr Abdullahi Sani Mungadi said that the distressing incident has inflicted deep pain on the families affected and heightened anxiety across the state.
“Such violence is unacceptable in any society. KDF commiserates with the family of the deceased Vice Principal, who lost his life in the line of duty, and with the parents and guardians of the abducted girls. We stand with the Government and people of Kebbi State, particularly the Zuru Emirate, during this difficult moment, and we earnestly pray for the safe and timely rescue of the abducted students,” the statement said.
It said preliminary information indicates that security personnel were earlier deployed to the school following intelligence reports, adding that however, concerns have been raised regarding the circumstances surrounding their withdrawal shortly before the attack.
“These concerns require careful and independent review to ensure clarity, accountability, and improved response mechanisms going forward.
“While acknowledging the swift reaction of the State Government and ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted students, KDF respectfully calls the attention of the State Government to the following urgent measures that could strengthen security management and prevent similar occurrences:
“Pursue an aggressive and coordinated search-and-rescue operation, deploying both conventional and non-conventional approaches, in collaboration with federal security agencies and community actors.
“Initiate an independent investigation into the roles and responses of security personnel during this and similar incidents across the state, especially given the substantial investments made in strengthening security.
“Strengthen the Office of the Special Adviser on Security, Col. R.D. Hassan Ribah (rtd), whose experience includes founding the Civilian JTF in Borno. Empower the office to effectively coordinate the activities of all security-related agencies in the state.
“Prioritize the security of schools, especially those in border communities with Zamfara and Niger States, and in other rural areas prone to attacks. School safety protocols, surveillance, and protective infrastructure should be urgently enhanced.
“Empower Local Government Councils to fulfil their security responsibilities, including community-based intelligence gathering and the establishment of proactive vigilance structures around schools and other soft targets.
“Convert the Zuru Airstrip into a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for the Nigerian Air Force to enhance rapid response capabilities in the axis.
“Establish a State Security Response and Coordination Centre, under the leadership of the Special Adviser on Security, to provide real-time situational awareness, improve inter-agency coordination, and furnish the Governor with prompt, quality information for timely intervention.”
The KDF also called on all well-meaning citizens of Kebbi State to unite in supporting the State Government, the families of the abducted students, and the affected communities. We urge continued prayers and collective effort toward the safe return of the girls and the restoration of peace across the state.
