By Dr. Uzor Ngoladi
Nigeria has once again been thrown into mourning following the abduction of 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Kebbi State, in what many are describing as yet another preventable tragedy. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, has revived national concerns over the rising vulnerability of schools in the northern region and the worsening state of educational infrastructure across the country.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that heavily armed bandits stormed the school premises, firing sporadically before whisking away the young girls into the surrounding forest. The attack, though shocking, follows a disturbing pattern in the region—especially in states where school security has remained porous despite repeated national outcry and federal promises.
But beyond the violence of the abduction itself, attention has swiftly turned to the dilapidated state of the school, raising serious questions about the commitment of the Kebbi State government to the safety and welfare of its students.
A School in Ruins Before the Attack
Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, located in one of the semi-urban communities of Kebbi, has long suffered from neglect. Investigations and reports from community members reveal a string of infrastructural failures that made the school an easy target:
-
Collapsed perimeter fencing that left large portions of the school wide open.
-
Dilapidated classrooms, many with leaking roofs and broken windows.
-
Non-functional security lights, plunging the school into darkness at night.
-
Absence of trained security personnel or surveillance systems.
-
Hostel blocks in near-derelict condition, compelling students to sleep in overcrowded and unsafe dormitories.
For years, parents and teachers had raised concerns over the poor state of the school, appealing to the state government to intervene. Yet, those pleas fell on deaf ears. The attack, therefore, is not just a crime against innocent children—it is a stark indictment on the leadership of the state.
A Failure of Governance
Kebbi State has, in recent years, witnessed a decline in investment in public education despite receiving federal allocations and intervention funds. Stakeholders argue that the state’s failure to address the worsening conditions of schools like Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School reflects a deeper failure of governance.
An education system is only as strong as the safety and dignity it guarantees its students. When classrooms crumble, when dormitories decay, and when schools are left unfenced and unprotected, the message is clear: student lives are not valued.
This tragedy exposes the gap between government rhetoric and reality. While the state leadership often speaks about its commitment to education, the lived experience of students tells another story—one of abandonment, fear, and systemic neglect.
Kebbi State’s Security Breakdown
The abduction also raises questions about the state’s security preparedness. Kebbi, like several northern states, has been battling banditry for years, with villages, farms, and schools becoming frequent targets. In such a volatile environment, one would expect state authorities to fortify educational institutions, especially girls’ schools, which have become symbolic targets for extremist groups seeking to destabilize northern communities.
Yet, Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School was left exposed despite:
-
Prior intelligence warnings about increased bandit activity in the area.
-
Previous attacks on schools in neighbouring states.
-
National directives urging states to adopt the Safe Schools Declaration.
-
Ongoing security alerts from local vigilantes and residents.
The lack of proactive measures has left many residents accusing the state government of complacency, misprioritization, and gross negligence.
Families in Agony, Nation in Shock
Meanwhile, the families of the abducted girls have been plunged into anguish. Many mothers broke into tears upon hearing the news, while fathers stormed the school compound demanding answers. For a state still recovering from past attacks, the trauma is immense.
One parent lamented, “We trusted the government with our daughters. They have failed us. How can a school have no security in times like this?”
Their pain is shared across the nation. From civil society groups to religious leaders, voices are rising in condemnation of the repeated failure to safeguard Nigeria’s children.
A Pattern of Neglect Across the North
This latest kidnapping is painfully reminiscent of previous tragedies:
-
The Chibok abductions in Borno.
-
The Dapchi schoolgirl kidnappings in Yobe.
-
The Kagara schoolboys in Niger State.
-
The Birnin Yauri abductions, also in Kebbi.
The pattern is unmistakable: northern schools remain some of the most dangerous places for children, especially girls. And like past incidents, the state government’s lack of decisive action has again allowed criminals to succeed.
Education Under Attack
Every attack on a school is an attack on the nation’s future. Girls’ education, already challenged by cultural barriers in many communities, now faces an additional threat—fear.
Experts warn that the traumatic impact of repeated school abductions includes:
-
Increased dropout rates.
-
Early marriages as parents withdraw daughters for safety.
-
Decline in female literacy.
-
Reduced school enrollment, especially in rural areas.
-
Community distrust in public institutions.
The long-term consequences, if not addressed urgently, could cripple northern Nigeria’s development for generations.
What Must Be Done
This tragedy should be a wake-up call for the Kebbi State government. Reactions, condemnations, and promises are no longer enough. Concrete action is required:
-
Immediate and coordinated rescue operations with federal security agencies.
-
Immediate rehabilitation of all public schools, especially boarding schools.
-
Comprehensive security upgrades, including perimeter fencing, surveillance, and trained security personnel.
-
Accountability for officials whose negligence contributed to this vulnerability.
-
Psychosocial support for parents, students, and teachers affected by this traumatic event.
-
Implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration in full—not in rhetoric.
Most importantly, the government must demonstrate that the lives of students matter. The people of Kebbi—and Nigeria—are watching.
Conclusion
The abduction of 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School is far more than a security failure—it is a heartbreaking indictment of a government that failed to protect its most vulnerable. The dilapidated state of the school, ignored warnings, and poor investment in education created the perfect storm for tragedy.
If the state government continues on this path of neglect, more children will pay the price.
Nigeria cannot afford another Chibok, Dapchi, or Birnin Yauri. These girls must be rescued. Their school must be rebuilt. And Kebbi State must be held accountable.
Anything less would be a betrayal of our collective humanity.
Dr Uzor Ngoladi is the publisher of www.dailyblastng.com & www.uzorngoladi.com
