Kebbi school attack: We’re tired of condolences, want action – Northern women

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Kebbi school attack: We’re tired of condolences, want action – Northern women

Published on Thu 20 Nov 2025

 Northern women under the umbrella of Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW) have condemned the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Asmau Joda, Maryam Uwais, Mairo Mandara, Aisha Oyebode, Fatima Akilu, Kadaria Ahmed, Larai Ocheja Amusan and Ier Jonathan-Ichaver, the group described the attack as a failure of leadership and another blow to the nation’s conscience.

Gunmen had stormed the school in the early hours of Monday, killing the Vice Principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and abducting 25 students.

VIEW said the incident highlights the government’s continued inability to secure schools, noting that despite past tragedies in Chibok, Dapchi and Jangebe, schools across northern Nigeria remain exposed to attacks.

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“More than a decade after repeated mass abductions, Northern Nigeria is still one of the most dangerous places in the world for a girl seeking an education,” the group said.

Many of the signatories were active members of the Bring Back Our Girls movement and have worked with communities affected by insecurity.

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 The organisation warned that recurring kidnappings raise questions about the state’s commitment to protecting girls who already face social and economic disadvantages. It said the latest attack further reflects the failures of the Safe Schools Initiative.

VIEW demanded an intelligence-driven rescue operation and daily public updates on efforts to free the victims, urging authorities to avoid the slow responses that have trailed previous mass abductions.

It also called for visible action from the President, First Lady, Kebbi State Government, Northern Governors’ Forum, Northern Senators’ Forum, Arewa caucuses in the National Assembly, traditional rulers, religious leaders and security agencies.

“This is not a moment for silence or excuses. The abduction of the Maga girls must be treated as a national emergency,” the statement added.

The group urged Nigerian women to unite and speak out, saying northern women are tired of mourning and receiving condolences without concrete action.

“The girls of Maga must be located, rescued and reunited with their families without delay. Their return is a test of leadership and humanity,” VIEW said.