The lawmaker representing Kebbi South, Senator Garba Maidoki, has described the abduction of schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, as the darkest moment of his political career, admitting that the tragedy has left him feeling as though he “failed” his constituents.
Naija News reported earlier that bandits invaded the school hostel in the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, killing two security guards and abducting no fewer than 24 female students.
Speaking in an interview with Arise Television, Maidoki said the incident has plunged residents into grief, adding that the attack struck “right at the heart” of his constituency.
Recounting the moment he received the news, the senator said, “This is the most unfortunate week of my life. When we heard about the kidnapping of Chibok girls, we thought it happened in a far-away land. This one happened right in my constituency in Maga, Kebbi State.”
He disclosed that he travelled home immediately to commiserate with the community.
“I met with the wives of the two persons who were killed, the principal of the school that was attacked and the people of Maga. I assured them we would work with government agencies to ensure the girls are returned safely,” Maidoki said.
He further disclosed that he had told residents the incident would not become another Chibok scenario, promising that the girls “will come back home.”
Asked whether he felt a sense of failure after previously assuring constituents of safety, Maidoki answered: “Yes. Right now, I feel that I have failed my people.”
He recalled urging residents during the campaign to trust their voter cards as the “greatest weapon” for choosing leaders who would protect them.
“They heeded the advice. I won the election under the PDP even though the party was not in power in Kebbi State,” the lawmaker said.
According to him, before his election, over 200 villages in Zuru Emirate were completely occupied by bandits.
‘Bandits Operated Freely… They Even Hoisted Flags’
Maidoki confirmed that the bandits had entrenched themselves deeply before federal intervention.
He said, “Yes, they hoisted flags. They operated from there. These were economic bandits, they stole cows, goats and kidnapped people for ransom.”
Maidoki said after several appeals in the Senate, military action helped reclaim the villages by late 2024.
“I informed the Senate that no village in Kebbi South was still occupied by bandits,” he said.
However, he noted that bandits still launched incursions from neighbouring Zamfara, separated only by a river.
Providing updates on the abducted students, Maidoki praised the military’s swift response.
“Right now, soldiers are in the forest. I learnt that about seven of them were shot by the bandits while trying to rescue the girls,” he said, noting that intelligence reports indicate the girls remain within Kebbi South.
“We have a fair idea of where the girls were taken. There is high hope they will return home soon,” Maidoki said.
‘Nigeria Has No Boots on Ground’ – Lawmaker Blames Inadequate Manpower
The senator criticised Nigeria’s security capacity, saying schools are particularly vulnerable.
“The biggest problem in Nigeria’s security is lack of boots on ground,” said Maidoki. He said the military lacks sufficient personnel to confront heavily armed terrorists.
“Twenty soldiers cannot confront over 300 terrorists riding on 300 motorcycles, carrying three bandits each, all fully armed,” the lawmaker stressed.
He revealed that only 25 soldiers were deployed in the area despite earlier warnings that the school was being targeted.
“25 soldiers confronting bandits on over 100 motorcycles carrying three each is just suicidal,” he said.
How the Girls and Livestock Were Taken Away
Maidoki detailed how the bandits transported the abducted students and livestock. He said, “They came on motorcycles. They are experts in riding them on any type of road, even in rainy season.
“The cows formed a shield as they were being transported.”
He confirmed that only one girl escaped, adding she is safe. Earlier reports suggested the Vice Principal was killed, but Maidoki clarified the facts: “The Vice Principal was not shot dead. It was the head of security they killed. They asked him to take them to the girls; he refused, and they shot him dead in the presence of his family.”
A second guard who also refused to cooperate was killed instantly.
“The third security man who complied later sneaked away when their attention shifted to the girls,” the Senator noted, stressing that the school head was injured but is now recovering.
‘Maga Is a Ghost Town, Residents Traumatised, Some Hospitalised’
Describing the emotional toll on the community, Maidoki said, “Parents of the abducted girls are in a state of shock. Some think they are dreaming, hoping to wake up and see their daughters the following morning. Some have been hospitalised.”
He said the entire town has emptied out: “Maga is a ghost of itself.”
Maidoki commended the Federal Government’s quick intervention. He said, “The Chief of Army Staff, the Garrison Commander and the Vice President who is representing the President are already in Kebbi State.”
He said the administration has shown “serious attention” to resolving the crisis.
Maidoki concluded by saying broader conversations on schooling and community safety will follow after the girls are rescued.
“There are so many vulnerable areas, especially schools. But our attention now is on how to recover these girls.”
“Parents of the abducted girls are in a state of shock… some hoping to wake up and see their daughters the following morning while some have been hospitalised,” the added.
