A U.S. lawmaker, Riley M. Moore, has voiced strong concern following the abduction of 25 schoolgirls and the killing of a vice principal during an attack in Kebbi State.
Moore took to X (formerly Twitter) to call for prayers and urged Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts against the worsening insecurity in the northern region.
US Lawmaker Condemns Latest School Kidnapping
In his message, Moore stated: “Please join me in praying for the 25 girls who have been kidnapped and for the repose of the soul of their vice principal who was killed.
“While we don’t have all the details on this horrific attack, we know that the attack occurred in a Christian enclave in Northern Nigeria.
“The Nigerian government must do more to end the rampant violence.”
The attack occurred early Monday when gunmen stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town.
Vice Principal Killed While Trying to Protect Students
According to witnesses, the armed group arrived before daybreak and executed the invasion with coordinated movements, overpowering the available security personnel.
Police reported that the attackers exchanged gunfire with officers before breaching the perimeter fence and abducting the students.
Vice Principal Hassan Yakubu Makuku was shot dead while attempting to defend the school, and another staff member sustained gunshot injuries.
Security Forces Launch Search Operations
Authorities confirmed that tactical police squads, soldiers, and local vigilantes have been deployed to comb nearby forests believed to be escape routes used by the kidnappers.
The search operation is ongoing with the aim of rescuing the abducted girls swiftly.
Escalating School Abductions in the Northwest
The Northwest has seen a surge in student kidnappings in recent years, with armed groups targeting schools for ransom.
Despite repeated government assurances, many rural communities remain exposed to such violent attacks.
The region has not forgotten the infamous 2014 Chibok schoolgirl abduction, in which 270 students were taken by Boko Haram.
Although many have been rescued or escaped, some girls are still missing more than ten years later.