The widow of the Vice-Principal, Government Girls Comprehensive Senior School, Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were abducted by bandits on Monday, Amina Hassan, on Tuesday, revealed that one bullet fired by one of the hoodlums ended the life of her husband, Makuku Hassan.
Narrating her ordeal during the attack, she also said her husband was killed inside their room and not in the hostel as it was earlier reported.
She disclosed that the invaders, who wore military camouflage, stormed their residence around 3.30 a.m. on Monday when they were sleeping.
“But, I was awake when I heard some strange sounds. I was thinking it was goats. Then, I heard a noise as someone was trying to enter the house. I woke up my husband. He was asleep. Behold! They were already in our room.
“On sighting the invaders, he started reciting Allahu Akbar! Ina lillahi wainna ilaihin rajiun! One of the bandits just fired at him. He slumped and died.
“I made an effort to touch him, but the bandits warned me if I moved an inch, they would kill me too.
“I told them to leave me alone. They killed the father of my children and just then my daughter came and they started engaging her, asking her to give them money. But, she told them there’s no money in the house.
It was then, “I opened the door and went out of the house, trying to move to my neighbour’s house. On my way, I realised the bandits had surrounded our house.
“I don’t know what to say right now. My husband is gone. My happiness is gone. My everything is gone. The father of my kids is gone.”
* Army Chief orders troops to rescue abducted girls alive
The Chief of Army Staff (CAS) Lieutenant- General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to step up efforts to rescue the students alive.
This was disclosed to newsmen by Captain David Adewusi, Media and Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, at an interactive session in Birnin-Kebbi on Tuesday.
Earlier, while at the scene of the adoption on Monday, General Shaibu, had ordered frontline commanders and troops to carry out intelligence-driven operations and maintain a relentless pursuit of the abductors, noting that rescuing the schoolgirls remain a priority.
The Army boss also met with local vigilantes and hunters, describing them as vital partners in the rescue mission and encouraged them to work closely with the troops as well as use their knowledge of the terrain to track down the criminals.
Gen. Shaibu later visited the traditional ruler of Danko, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje and the Principal of GGCSS, Hajiya Rabi Musa Magaji, assuring them of the military’s determination to safely bring back the students.
*Remi Tinubu condemns abduction
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has condemned the abduction of the students from GGCSS in Maga area of Kebbi.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mrs Tinubu requested a minute of silence from the Wives of Service Chiefs during their visit to the State House, Abuja, to honour the late Vice Principal and victims of the Kebbi attack.
The visiting group included Mrs Sefiyan Shuaibu, Mrs Ngozi Aneke, Mrs Aishatu Abass and Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun, representing Army, Air Force, Navy and Police Officers’ Wives Associations, respectively.
The First Lady hailed the new service chiefs for ensuring national security, while applauding their spouses for supporting them and contributing to community welfare across the country.
She urged the service chiefs’ wives to create avenues for collaboration with her office, recalling her positive working relationship with former Service Chiefs’ spouses and their support for widows and veterans.
Mrs Tinubu acknowledged the challenges faced by security personnel in Kebbi State, emphasising the importance of protecting lives and commending the officers for their commitment in spite of personal risks.
*UNICEF condemns attack, demands students’ release
On its part, the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the attack on Government Girls School in Maga area of the state which led to the killing of the Vice Principal and the reported abduction of 25 students.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), UNICEF issued the condemnation in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, signed by Communication Specialist, Sussan Akila.
She described the incident as “a stark reminder” of the urgent need to protect children, schools and education personnel.
“We stand with the affected community at this difficult time.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to those who have lost loved ones, and we wish a full recovery for those injured,” it said.
The organisation called for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted students, stressing that students, schools, and education personnel were protected under international law from any form of attack.
UNICEF added that those responsible for the attack must be held accountable in line with both national and international standards to prevent future tragedies and ensure justice was served.
*Foundation blames kidnap on security failure, lack of equitable education
A United Kingdom and Nigeria-registered non-profit organisation committed to reducing out-of-school children and removing barriers to learning, IA-Foundation, has blamed the abduction of the schoolgirls from GGCSS in Kebbi on security failure and lack of equitable education.
The founder, Ibironke Adeagbo, said the unfortunate incident underscored Nigeria’s ongoing education and security crisis endangering lives and futures of young learners.
Describing the incident as heartbreaking and reinforcing a national emergency that children are not safe, Adeagbo said education has increasingly become a dangerous undertaking for many Nigerian children.
While extending sympathy to the family of the Vice Principal, who lost his life during the attack and to the injured, she called for collaborative efforts towards rescuing the schoolgirls and ensuring non-occurrence of the issue.
Adeagbo further emphasised the need for enhanced security measures in schools, particularly in vulnerable regions.
*Emir Sanusi visits Shanono community, sympathises with families of victims
*as Police reinforce security in border communities
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, paid a sympathy visit to Faruwa town in Shanono Local Government Area, where several residents were recently killed in bandits’ attack.
His visit and message of condolence were contained in a statement issued by the Head of the Palace media team, Sadam Na’ando Yakasai, a copy of which was made available to pressmen in Kano.
The emir prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and asked Allah to grant their families the fortitude to bear irreparable loss.
Also, Kano State Police Command, has intensified security operations across border communities in Shanono, Tsanyawa and Rogo Local Government Areas, following a fresh review of strategies aimed at curbing criminal activities in the affected areas.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed the development on Monday, noting that the Command has strengthened manpower deployment and provided additional operational equipment to officers stationed along the volatile border villages.
