Minister of Education condemns Kebbi school attack

The Minister of Education, Chief Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa FAMedS, CON, has expressed deep sadness over the attack on Government Girls School, Maga, Kebbi State. During the attack, schoolgirls were abducted and the Vice Principal, a devoted educator, was killed.

He described the event as heartbreaking and spoke directly to the pain felt by families, staff and students in the school and across Kebbi State.

Context of the attack on Government Girls School Maga

The incident took place at Government Girls School, Maga, a public girls’ school in Kebbi State. Armed attackers seized a number of students and killed the Vice Principal, who was carrying out his duty as an education leader.

The Minister stressed that no parent should face the fear of sending a child to school and never seeing that child return. He also stated that no teacher should lose their life while helping to build the future of Nigeria’s children.

Minister of Education response and message to families

Dr Alausa offered his condolences to:

• Families of the abducted girls
• Relatives of the Vice Principal who was killed
• Staff and pupils of Government Girls School, Maga
• The wider community across Kebbi State

He described the attack as a cruel and senseless act. In his view, the incident is not only an attack on children and teachers, but also an attack on the country’s future, as schools play a central role in building national growth and peace.

Federal response and security collaboration

The Federal Ministry of Education is working with security and intelligence agencies and with the Kebbi State Government. The aim is to:

• Secure the safe return of the abducted girls
• Support the affected school community
• Help ensure that those responsible face justice

The Minister made clear that this cooperation will continue until the missing students are found and the people behind the attack are held accountable through lawful means.

Commitment to safer schools across Nigeria

Dr Alausa restated the Ministry’s firm commitment to school safety. He noted that learning spaces across Nigeria, especially in areas at higher risk, need stronger protection. The Ministry is focused on:

• Strengthening safety measures in schools
• Working with state governments and security agencies
• Supporting teachers and learners in communities that are more exposed to attacks

He emphasised that every classroom should be a safe place where girls and boys can learn without fear, and where staff can teach with clear minds.

Closing message from the Minister of Education

The Minister of Education stated that this painful event has only made the resolve of the education sector stronger. He stressed that children in Nigeria deserve to learn in safety, and teachers deserve to carry out their work without fear. He added that the Federal Ministry of Education will keep working with partners so that every school becomes a place of protection and hope for young people across the country.