Two Kidnapped Kebbi Schoolgirls Regain Freedom After Dramatic Escape

Two of the 25 students kidnapped from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga in Kebbi State have escaped from their captors, according to local officials. Hussaini Aliyu of the Danko Wasagu local government area told the BBC that the girls fled while being marched into the bush and crossed nearby farmlands to safety. Both are now back with authorities, though one required medical attention after injuring her leg during the escape.

The abduction occurred early Monday when armed men stormed the school and seized the students. During the attack, vice principal Hassan Makuku was killed, and a security guard, Ali Shehu, sustained gunshot injuries. Shehu later died in hospital, the BBC reported.

Nigeria’s information minister Mohammed Idris said President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to ensure the swift rescue of the remaining students and condemned the attack as unacceptable. Idris reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens, particularly schoolchildren.

Kebbi State’s police commissioner, Bello Muhammad Sani, said additional police tactical teams, soldiers and local vigilantes have been deployed. He added that a coordinated search-and-rescue operation is underway, with security personnel combing forested areas and suspected escape routes in an effort to locate the missing students and apprehend those responsible.