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The National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Bello Lawal, has issued a strong condemnation of the deadly attack on Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in Kebbi State, where bandits killed the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, and abducted 25 female students.

In a statement on Wednesday, Hon. Lawal described the incident as a “heinous act of cowardice” and a direct assault on Nigeria’s educational system and its most vulnerable population.

He expressed deep sorrow over the killing of Malam Makuku, whom he praised as a hero for reportedly attempting to shield students during the invasion before being shot by the attackers.

Speaking on behalf of ALGON’s Executive Council, National Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, and the 774 local governments nationwide, the ALGON President extended condolences to the association’s leadership in Kebbi State, led by Ambrusa Mohammed, and to the Chairman and people of Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, a region that has suffered repeated waves of violent attacks.

Hon. Lawal also conveyed ALGON’s solidarity to the Governor of Kebbi State, His Excellency Nasir Idris, and the families of the abducted students and other victims.

He stressed the need for a more robust security framework, enhanced intelligence gathering, and strengthened community engagement to avert further tragedies.

Citing other recent violent incidents—including the killing of political figure Umar Moriki, large-scale abductions in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State, persistent bandit activities in Shanono LGA of Kano State, and the barbaric church invasion and killings in Kwara—Hon. Lawal said the pattern of attacks underscores the urgent need for security agencies to intensify localized intelligence operations and prioritise the protection of rural communities, which remain the “softest targets.”

Reaffirming ALGON’s readiness to collaborate with federal and state governments, Hon. Lawal pledged the association’s commitment to strengthening grassroots security mechanisms and ensuring that no community is left unprotected in the national fight against banditry and terrorism.