Armed bandits launched a brazen attack on a girls’ secondary school in Kebbi State, killing the vice principal and kidnapping several students in a major security breach.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants arrived in large numbers – many on motorcycles – and overwhelmed the security personnel stationed at the school. In the ensuing gunbattle, the vice principal was fatally shot, and others were reportedly abducted.
Some of the victims taken include students and school staff. Reports indicate that a number of students were forcefully led out of the premises and loaded into vehicles used by the attackers. Among those kidnapped was at least one female teacher. Authorities say the bandits also used a school-linked vehicle to transport the captives.
The state police command has confirmed that one of its officers was killed during the attack, and another student sustained gunshot injuries. In response, security forces have mobilized a large manhunt. Teams from the mobile police force, anti-kidnapping units, and counter-terrorism divisions are reportedly combing nearby forests and suspected hideouts in search of the captives.
Parents and relatives of the missing students have gathered at the school, anxiously demanding information about their children’s whereabouts. School administrators have been unable to conduct a full headcount due to the chaos, and are working to verify exactly how many students and staff were taken.
The attack has sparked outrage among the local community, with many calling on the government to strengthen protection for vulnerable schools. Security officials say they are following credible leads and are committed to securing the release of the abducted students and teachers.