Muhammad Dantani, the Local Government Area Head of Maga in Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State, shares his account of ANIMASAHUN SALMAN the ass...
Muhammad Dantani, the Local Government Area Head of Maga in Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State, shares his account ofANIMASAHUN SALMANthe assault on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, a bold attack where criminals killed a teacher and took 25 students hostage
HowCan you explain what occurred during the school attack?
The circumstances were deeply upsetting and sorrowful for the entire Maga community. Early that day, raiders attacked Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga in a planned and brutal fashion. They killed one staff member, Malam Hassan Makuku, an Islamic scholar who was very dedicated and the patron of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria at the school.
They also injured the school's security guard, who happens to be my uncle. From that point, they entered the students' dormitory area, causing chaos and terror.
Even though they did not kidnap all the girls, they managed to capture several of them. This was an assault that left the entire Zuru Emirate in shock, as our town had previously experienced a degree of stability thanks to earlier security efforts.
How did you personally learn about the attack?
Around 4:30 a.m., I got a call from the school principal. As the district head of Maga, I immediately returned the call and was surprised to find out that armed thieves had entered the school. Due to the urgency, we quickly went to the school to evaluate the extent of the damage, identify any injuries, and account for the students.
Once you reached the school, how many students were ultimately found to have been taken?
Upon our arrival, we collected the remaining students and performed a headcount using the school's records. At first, it appeared that 27 students were absent. However, after further checking, we found out that one student had come back during the night, and another had left on her own.
By 7 a.m., following a detailed inspection, we verified that 25 students had been taken. It was a heartbreaking realization since these girls are our children, from our neighborhood, and their well-being is our duty.
Had any security measures been implemented around the school prior to the attack?
Yes, there were. Indeed, security measures had been strengthened recently following intelligence reports indicating a potential attack. Acting on this information, the governor implemented preventive actions.
He ordered that police officers be placed around the school, and army units positioned approximately a kilometer away to move nearer to protect the area.
The governor demanded proof that the deployment had been finalized, and the army officer overseeing the operation sent a picture featuring the students as confirmation of their presence. This eased the concerns of both the governor and local officials regarding the school's safety.
Furthermore, we activated local patrols who are acquainted with the area and collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies. Until this event, these actions had ensured Maga's safety.
If troops were sent, how did the robbers execute the assault?
That is the most significant question and the most troubling aspect of this event. Around midnight, I called to check if the soldiers were still on duty and was informed they were. However, unbeknownst to us, they left the school around 1 a.m., just a brief time before the attack occurred. We still have no idea who issued the order or the reason for their departure.
As the bandits arrived, the police officers stated they sought shelter because the attackers were vastly outnumbered, and firing would have resulted in certain death. The quantity of bandits and their degree of weaponry were overwhelming.
With the military away, the police believed confronting the bandits would be dangerous. Although we recognize their concern for safety, the absence of any resistance enabled the bandits to act from approximately 1:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. without being challenged.
Has the military provided any clarification about the departure of their staff?
When the governor arrived following the event, he was naturally angry. The army commander present offered an apology on behalf of the military and admitted that the situation had been poorly managed.
The governor promptly ordered the formation of a powerful investigation team. This group consists of the DSS, the police, the school principal, and other pertinent officials.
Their responsibility is to discover the true cause of the troop withdrawal and determine if there was any negligence or breach. To date, we are waiting for the results of this inquiry.
Has there been any advancement in the attempts to recover the students who were taken?
Indeed, there has been significant activity. Since the day of the event, all security organizations, especially the military, have been working within the forest, carrying out search and rescue efforts. Based on the data we have, the criminals have not traveled far; they are still in the original bush paths near the Zamfara-Kebbi boundary.
The armed forces have been attempting to prevent their escape, particularly from the Zamfara region. We continue to hope and pray that the girls will be found soon.
Were the vigilantes who were first sent out overwhelmed during the assault?
The individuals acting as vigilantes were not completely involved during the actual assault. The law enforcement personnel present stated that upon noticing the significant quantity of aggressors, they sought shelter to prevent being overpowered.
Vigilantes typically back the police and military, yet in this instance, the unexpected and large-scale attack, along with the lack of military presence, resulted in a scenario where direct intervention might have caused significant loss of life.
Are there any outlaw settlements inside the Zuru Emirate or close to Maga?
There isn't a single bandit camp located within the Zuru Emirate. The Emirate encompasses four major LGAs: Fakai, Danko-Wasagu, Sakaba, and Zuru. Each area of these communities is monitored by village and ward leaders. If there were any camps, we would be aware of them.
The challenge lies at our border with Zamfara State. The River Ka serves as the dividing line. Bandits frequently cross from Zamfara into Kebbi to conduct raids. We encounter opposition here, yet when they retreat back to Zamfara, it is challenging to track them down due to their concealed bases and supply networks in those woods. Currently, I am aware that the military in Zamfara is increasing its efforts against them.
What is your statement to the state and federal governments concerning safety?
My request is straightforward: bring back the security trust we previously had in Maga. We once had armored personnel carriers stationed here as a warning.
Those armored personnel carriers were crucial in maintaining the town's security. Bandits would often joke that no one daring enough to assault Maga would succeed. However, the APCs were taken away for undisclosed reasons. We have been highlighting this issue for a considerable period, particularly since our town is located right along the Zamfara border.
I respectfully ask the government to reassign those armored personnel carriers and strengthen the military's presence near the border. This is the sole method to avoid further attacks and ensure our citizens feel secure.
We are aware that specific prayers are being arranged. Can you verify this?
Yes, that is accurate. Certain communities have already started their prayers. In Zuru, there is an officially arranged special prayer event verified by the SA on security matters. Here in Maga, we will start ours tomorrow. Our community depends on both spiritual and physical efforts. Prayer has been a part of our resilience for many years, and when combined with security measures, we believe it will assist us in overcoming this challenge.
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