In a significant development, one of the 25 schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, Kebbi State, has successfully escaped and is now safe. The girl managed to return home late on Monday, providing a glimmer of hope amid a tense situation that has gripped the local community and the nation at large.
Authorities confirmed the escape on Tuesday, noting that security forces, supported by local hunters, have intensified their operations to locate the remaining abducted students. The successful escape underscores the bravery and resilience of the girl, who is reported to be in her early teens and in good health, according to the school principal, Musa Rabi Magaji, who described her condition as “safe and sound.”
In addition to the escapee, another student reportedly avoided being abducted altogether by fleeing the school during the predawn raid. Both girls have been reunited with their families in their village, offering a moment of relief for loved ones and the wider community who have been anxiously following developments since the attack.
Predawn raid claims vice principal’s life
The attack occurred in the early hours of Monday, when gunmen, reportedly arriving on multiple motorcycles, stormed the boarding school. The violent raid tragically claimed the life of the vice principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, who was reportedly targeted during the assault. His wife, Amina Hassan, provided a harrowing account of the encounter, recalling:
“Three of them entered and asked my husband, ‘Are you Malam Hassan?’ When he confirmed, they said, ‘We are here to kill you.’”
Residents of Maga town expressed shock and fear following the attack. Abdulkarim Abdullahi, a nearby resident, said he heard gunfire from his home and described the chaos as terrifying. “I was at home when the shooting started. We were told the attackers came on many motorcycles,” he said, reflecting the fear and disruption the raid caused in the community.
Authorities intensify efforts to rescue remaining students
In response to the incident, security forces immediately launched search and rescue operations. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, directed troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify intelligence-led missions aimed at recovering the abducted students. He emphasized that “success is not optional,” highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the operation.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris visited the school on Monday, pledging swift and decisive action to secure the release of the remaining students. He assured the public that the state government is fully engaged and committed to ensuring the safety of the children.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu sent Vice President Kashim Shettima to Kebbi on Tuesday evening to meet with the families of the abducted girls, offering comfort and reassurance. The President further emphasized that the federal government remains committed to the rapid and safe return of all students abducted in the incident.
The abduction in Maga is part of a troubling trend of insecurity across northern Nigeria, where armed groups and bandits frequently target schools, travelers, and remote communities. These attacks have caused widespread fear, disrupted education, and drawn national and international concern over the safety of children in vulnerable areas.
Security forces continue to conduct exhaustive search and rescue missions, coordinating with local communities to track down the remaining abducted girls. Authorities have urged residents to provide information and remain vigilant to ensure the safe recovery of all missing students. The ongoing efforts highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating the persistent threat of abduction and banditry in the region.