The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday mourned the death of Mr. Hassan Makuku, Vice Principal of Government Girls Comprehensive Senior School, Maga, Kebbi State, who was killed by bandits during a deadly attack that also saw 25 students abducted.
The lawmaking chamber’s grief came shortly after the killing of Brigadier General Musa in an ambush by militants of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), underscoring the persistent security challenges facing the nation.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately recruit at least 100,000 additional military personnel to strengthen Nigeria’s stretched security apparatus.
“We sympathize with the families and the children affected, but it must be clear that our security services are overstretched,” Akpabio said. “These criminals target soft spots and vulnerable communities. Even developed nations face crime daily; our duty is to minimize it and protect citizens.”
Adopting a resolution on a motion of urgent national importance raised by Senator Abdullahi Yahaya (Kebbi North), the Senate condemned the attack, describing it as part of a troubling pattern of assaults on schools that jeopardize education and instill fear, particularly among girls.
Senator Yahaya highlighted that the perpetrators invaded the school in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area on Sunday night, killing the Vice Principal before abducting 25 students. He recalled a similar abduction in 2022, noting it took four years to rescue the victims. “This terrorism targeting students must stop,” he warned.
The lawmakers also expressed concern over whether funds allocated for securing learning environments, including the Safe School Initiative, have been effectively utilized. The Senate has established an ad hoc committee, including the Finance Committee, to investigate the funding, spending, and impact of the initiative.
Senator Akpabio linked the recent attacks to past incidents such as the Chibok schoolgirls abduction, stressing that Nigeria’s security situation is under intense international scrutiny.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of Mr. Makuku, who reportedly died shielding his students from the gunmen.
The Federal Government condemned the attack, with Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris assuring that security and intelligence agencies have been directed to locate and safely rescue the abducted students and bring the perpetrators to justice.
President Tinubu has reiterated that protecting every Nigerian, especially schoolchildren, is a solemn responsibility of the State, and that no effort will be spared to secure the release of the abducted girls.
