In a significant development, all 24 schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi state, Nigeria, have been successfully rescued, President Bola Tinubu announced on Tuesday. The mass abduction occurred on November 17 in Maga town, where 25 girls were initially taken. One girl managed to escape the same day, while the remaining 24 were freed following a coordinated rescue operation, though specific details of the mission remain undisclosed. President Tinubu expressed relief over the girls’ safe return and emphasized the urgent need to bolster security in vulnerable regions to prevent future kidnappings. The incident is part of a troubling pattern of mass abductions in Nigeria, including a recent raid on Saint Mary’s School in Niger state, where over 300 students and staff were kidnapped. While 50 students escaped over the weekend, the fate of the others remains uncertain. Musa Rabi Magaji, the principal of the Kebbi school, confirmed the girls’ release but noted they are still under official custody, with no immediate updates on their condition. Abdulkarim Abdullahi, whose two daughters were among the abducted, expressed relief and awaited further information on their well-being. Meanwhile, 38 worshippers kidnapped during a deadly church attack in Kwara state were also freed, according to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The recent wave of abductions, attributed to armed bandits, highlights the ongoing security crisis in Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have become a pervasive issue. Analysts note that these gangs often target schools and remote communities, exploiting the lack of government presence. Since the infamous Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction a decade ago, over 1,500 students have been seized, with many released only after ransom payments. The situation underscores the need for comprehensive security reforms to address the root causes of this escalating crisis.
24 schoolgirls abducted from Kebbi in Nigeria have been rescued, president says
