On Monday, an abduction occurred at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, Kebbi state, north-western Nigeria. Gunmen, identified locally as "bandits," invaded the boarding school at approximately 04:00 local time (03:00 GMT).
At least 25 female students and one teacher were abducted. During the incident, two school staff members were killed: a teacher, reportedly while attempting to protect students, and a security guard, who later died in hospital from gunshot wounds.
Escapes and Search Operations
Hussaini Aliyu of Danko Wasagu council, a local official, reported that two of the abducted girls managed to escape. They fled across farmland while being led into a wooded area by their captors. One of the girls sustained a leg injury requiring medical treatment; both are reported safe.
Following the abduction, a joint team comprising soldiers, police personnel, and volunteers commenced search operations in the forested areas surrounding the school. Maj Gen Waidi Shaibu, Nigeria's army chief of staff, has directed troops in Kebbi state to continue search efforts.
Context and Government Response
For approximately the past decade, schools in northern Nigeria have been targets for armed groups. These groups frequently conduct abductions, often seeking ransom payments or leverage in negotiations with the government.
The Nigerian central government has expressed concern regarding the abductions. Information Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi issued a statement indicating that authorities are working to rescue the girls and that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to protecting citizens, particularly schoolchildren.
Witness Accounts
Police reports indicate that the attackers engaged duty personnel in a gun battle before entering the school premises. A father reported that his two daughters hid in a toilet during the attack. One daughter exited when the gunmen issued an ultimatum and was subsequently abducted, while the other remained hidden and was not taken. The daughter of the deceased security guard reported that her own daughter and granddaughter were among those abducted.
This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in the region.