Nigerian security forces, joined by local hunters, have ramped up efforts to locate and rescue 25 schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. The coordinated search includes forest sweeps where criminal gangs are known to hide and patrols along major roads leading to the school.
The kidnapping occurred in the early hours of Monday, when armed men stormed the school dormitory. According to police, the attackers scaled the perimeter fence, exchanged gunfire with officers, and fatally shot the school’s vice principal before fleeing with the girls.
No group has claimed responsibility, but authorities and analysts suspect the involvement of armed bandits criminal groups often composed of former herders who have turned to violence amid escalating resource conflicts with farming communities. These gangs frequently target schools, travelers, and rural villages in search of ransom payments.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and frustration across Nigeria. In Lagos, citizens voiced their anger at what they see as government inaction. IT expert Ogundinmu Peter criticized the administration’s handling of national security, saying, “They don’t really know what they are doing. They should resign and leave.” Marketing professional Bright Godwin echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the government’s duty to protect its citizens, especially children, who he called “the future of our nation”.
Mass abductions from schools have become tragically common in northern Nigeria, particularly in states like Zamfara and Sokoto, which border Kebbi and are known strongholds for armed groups. Since the infamous 2014 Chibok abduction by Boko Haram, over 1,500 students have been kidnapped in the region.
In response to the latest crisis, President Bola Tinubu has postponed his planned trip to the G20 summit in Johannesburg. His office stated that the president is prioritizing the rescue operation and addressing broader security concerns, including a separate church attack that left two people dead earlier this week.
As the search continues, one of the kidnapped girls has reportedly escaped and returned safely, offering a glimmer of hope amid a deeply troubling situation.
