The House of Representatives has donated N20 million to the family of the late Vice Principal of Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, Hassan Makuku, who was killed last week while trying to protect his students during a violent bandit attack that led to the abduction of over two dozen schoolgirls.
Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, led a high-powered delegation to Kebbi on Monday to commiserate with the families of the victims of the latest wave of insecurity plaguing the North-West. Makuku’s death has been widely described as heroic, prompting the Speaker to urge Governor Nasir Idris to immortalise him by renaming the school after him.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, the Speaker praised the Vice Principal’s bravery, noting that he died “in active service” while shielding students from their attackers. Abbas said Makuku’s sacrifice exemplified the highest standard of public service.
“This is somebody who died for a cause,” Abbas said while meeting with state officials and bereaved families. “He died trying to shield the students from the kidnappers. We pray Almighty Allah grants him Al-Jannah Firdaus, and we urge His Excellency to immortalise this great man by naming the institution after him.”
The Speaker said the House’s N20 million support for the family was intended to help them rebuild their lives after losing their breadwinner, noting that Makuku’s death should not leave his family in despair after such a noble act.
The attack on GGSS Maga, which has once again spotlighted the worsening insecurity in parts of the country, drew strong condemnation from the Speaker, who lamented the resurgence of banditry despite ongoing efforts by both federal and state governments.
Abbas expressed confidence in the security measures being implemented by Governor Idris and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but described the recent attack as “a rude shock” that underscores the need for more urgent, innovative measures to combat insecurity.
“It is indeed very unfortunate, particularly at a time when the Governor and Mr President are doing all they can to put this country on a sound footing,” he said. “But we believe nothing happens without Allah’s knowledge. The lesson here is that this is a wake-up call to all of us, both at the national and sub-national levels, to continue thinking outside the box to defeat this devil of insecurity.”
The Speaker reiterated the commitment of the House of Representatives to continue working closely with security agencies, state governments, and other stakeholders to restore safety across Nigeria. He stressed that banditry, kidnappings, and other violent crimes must be tackled collaboratively to secure communities and protect vulnerable citizens, especially schoolchildren.
Makuku’s killing has sparked widespread grief, with many hailing him as a symbol of courage in the face of terror. Calls for his immortalisation have continued to grow as parents, educators, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations describe his death as both tragic and inspiring.
The Kebbi State Government is expected to issue its official position on the Speaker’s recommendation in the coming days, as pressure mounts for the late educator to be honoured for sacrificing his life to save his students.
