Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has urged residents to remain united and steadfast in prayer after bandits launched another deadly assault in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, abducting scores of people and leaving multiple casualties in their wake.
The latest incident, described by officials as a coordinated night-time operation, saw armed men storm Wasagu town, kidnapping an unspecified number of residents before advancing to Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga. There, they seized 25 students in the early hours of Monday. One staff member was killed during the attack, while another sustained injuries.
The Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the development, noting that a combined team of police officers and military personnel had already embarked on a search-and-rescue mission. He added that additional reinforcements had been deployed from Abuja to strengthen the operation.
In response to the crisis, Governor Idris dispatched his deputy, Senator Umar Tafida, to the affected communities to assess the damage, meet with residents, and reassure them of the government’s commitment to their safety. Early reports suggest that the attackers may have crossed into Kebbi from neighbouring Zamfara, a state long troubled by armed banditry.
A statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Zuru, expressed deep concern over what Idris described as “recurring incursions” from bordering states and countries. He lamented that rural communities in Kebbi have repeatedly borne the brunt of these violent raids, despite intensified security efforts.
Governor Idris reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to confront insecurity “head-on”, highlighting the significant logistical, operational, and financial support that the state government continues to extend to security agencies. In recent months, the state has convened a series of high-level security conferences featuring prominent national figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd.); and former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd.).
“As part of ongoing security support, the state recently distributed 100 Hilux patrol vehicles and 5,000 motorcycles to security agencies to enhance mobility and improve response times across volatile areas,” the statement added.
As rescue efforts intensify, residents of Danko/Wasagu are once again grappling with fear and uncertainty. Local and national authorities alike have reiterated their determination to ensure the safe return of the abducted students and restore peace to the troubled region.
