Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, was thrown into darkness and chaos in the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, when armed men stormed the school hostel, killed a security guard, and abducted at least 24 female students.
In an interview first aired on Arise Television, the Senator representing Kebbi South, Garuba Maidoki, spoke with deep sorrow about the attack, describing it as one of the most devastating moments of his life. He said the incident has plunged the region into despair and made him feel like he has failed the very people who trusted him to improve their security.
Below are key excerpts from the conversation:
“This is the most unfortunate week of my life.”
Reacting to the attack, Senator Maidoki said the incident hit him hard because it occurred right in his constituency—among the people who believed in his promise to prioritize their safety. He recalled how many Nigerians viewed the Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping as a distant tragedy, never imagining such horror would occur so close to home.
He explained that upon hearing the news, he immediately travelled to Maga to visit the families of the two people killed, the school principal, and members of the community. He assured them that every effort would be made, in collaboration with government agencies, to rescue the abducted girls and restore peace. He emphasized that the abducted students would not be abandoned.
“Yes, I feel I have failed my people.”
Maidoki admitted that the attack shattered his confidence. During his campaign, he had urged his people to vote wisely, assuring them that good leadership would translate to better security. Although he won the Senate seat under the PDP—defeating the then-serving senator—he regrets that despite earlier improvements in security, the region has again come under attack.
He noted that before his election, more than 200 villages in the Zuru Emirate had been taken over by bandits. Although the Senate had intervened and helped clear out occupied areas, incursions from neighbouring Zamfara State continued. He said the military had already acquired land for an operational base but had yet to mobilize, despite repeated reminders.
Where the Girls Were Taken
According to available intelligence, Maidoki said the abducted students are still within Kebbi South. He praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their swift response, noting that some soldiers had already sustained injuries while pursuing the attackers. He expressed hope that the students would be safely rescued soon.
Security Challenges
The senator highlighted Nigeria’s critical shortage of manpower in security agencies. He described how a small unit of 20–25 soldiers cannot withstand attacks from hundreds of armed terrorists riding in large numbers on motorcycles. In this particular incident, he said the attackers had been targeting the school for some time.
How the Attackers Moved the Girls and Stole Livestock
The assailants arrived on motorcycles and rode away with the abducted students. They also stole cows from the area, guiding the animals along with them to create a moving shield. One girl managed to escape and is reported to be safe.
The principal, who was injured during the attack, is now recovering. Contrary to initial reports, the Vice Principal was not killed. It was the head of security who was shot after refusing to lead the attackers to the girls’ hostel. Another guard was also killed for resisting, while a third fled when the gunmen became distracted.
A Community in Shock
Maga has become deserted and silent, Maidoki said. Parents of the abducted girls are devastated—some in disbelief, others hospitalized from the trauma of the incident.
Next Steps
The senator acknowledged the presence of top government officials, including the Chief of Army Staff, the Garrison Commander, and the Vice President, who visited the state to coordinate rescue efforts. He expressed optimism that progress will be made.
When asked about the vulnerability of other schools in the region, he admitted that many institutions remain exposed but stressed that the immediate priority is to recover the abducted girls before broader conversations on long-term security can take place.
QUOTE:
“Parents of the abducted girls are in shock. Some believe they’re living a nightmare and keep hoping they’ll wake up to see their daughters safe at home. Others are already hospitalized from the trauma.”
