BY TONY UDOKA 

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has denounced the deadly attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in Kebbi State, calling it “unacceptable” and directing security agencies to launch an immediate rescue operation.

Bandits stormed the school in the Zuru Emirate of Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area late Sunday night, killing the Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and abducting 25 students.

In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Matawalle said the government would not tolerate “this assault on innocent children,” stressing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had already ordered heightened security action to track the assailants and free the students.

“The government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has directed that the state’s security apparatus swing into immediate action to ensure the abducted students are released unharmed,” he said. He urged all security formations to work in concert and “bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.”

The Minister also called for restraint in the affected community, assuring residents that authorities were fully engaged with the situation. “Residents should remain calm and go about their business while government and security agencies address the situation,” he said.

Matawalle extended condolences to the family of the slain Vice Principal and others touched by the tragedy. “I pray to Allah to grant him mercy, a peaceful resting place, and to console his family and loved ones over this painful and unjust loss,” he added.

The Ministry of Defence said further updates will be provided as security operations progress.