I Hid Inside The Toilet - Student Narrates How Bandits Attacked Kebbi School, Kidnapped Her Two Sisters And Colleagues

 

A harrowing account has emerged from Government Comprehensive Girls School, Maga in Danga Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State after armed men stormed the facility before dawn on Monday, November 17, 2025. The attack claimed the lives of two staff members and resulted in the abduction of 26 students, leaving families and the entire community in deep distress.

Gunshots shattered the early morning silence as the attackers forced their way into the school premises shortly before 5am. Students, who had been asleep in their hostels, woke to the sound of unfamiliar voices, hurried footsteps and attempts to break down their doors. Panic swept through the rooms as the girls tried to understand what was happening.

One of the survivors, SS3 student Khadijat Lawal, narrowly escaped the abductors. Speaking through her father, Malam Lawal Altine, she described how she and her two sisters fled to one of the toilets after the shooting began. Moments later, the intruders reached their hostel, seized several girls and marched them out. Her sisters were among those taken. Khadijat remained hidden until she heard her father’s voice hours later. Malam Altine said he is grateful his daughter survived but is tormented by the disappearance of his other children.

Parents have since kept vigil at the school compound, waiting for news. Many of them arrived shortly after the incident and refused to leave, clinging to hope that their daughters would return. Among them is Hajiya Rani Maga, who broke down repeatedly while explaining that she has neither slept nor eaten since learning her daughter was missing. She pleaded for urgent government intervention, fearing the girls’ condition in captivity.

Another tragedy unfolded within the school premises during the attack. Amina Hassan, the wife of the school’s head of security, recounted how armed men barged into their home and demanded that her husband lead them to the hostels. When he refused, they shot him. She described the scene as a nightmare that continues to haunt her. The school gateman, Ali Shehu, also lost his life during the assault.

Fear has since spread throughout the community. Many residents say they are too frightened to visit their farms. Abubakar Dabai, a relative of one of the victims, said the people remain traumatized but are encouraged by assurances from the state governor, who visited the area and promised strengthened security.

The Kebbi State Government later clarified that 26 students were abducted, although two of the girls, Salmat and Hauwa, managed to escape. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Halimatu Muhammad Bande, said 24 students remain in captivity. She urged the public to disregard conflicting reports and assured families that security agencies have been deployed to locate the girls.

Across the community, parents continue to pray, hoping for the safe return of their children. Many say their lives have been placed on hold as they await news, longing for the moment their homes will be whole again.