On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu confirmed the safe release of 24 schoolgirls abducted last week from a secondary school in northern Nigeria’s Kebbi state.
The girls were seized from their dormitory at the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga on November 17. Local authorities reported that all students were found unharmed and are set to reunite with their families.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris assured the public that the rescued girls are in good health. “We have arranged for medical check-ups and family reunions,” he said, highlighting swift coordination between security agencies and community leaders.
The abduction in Kebbi sparked a wave of copycat attacks. In central Nigeria, 38 worshippers were kidnapped during a church service in Kwara state, and over 300 students were abducted from a school in Niger state. Most worshippers and 51 students were released on Sunday, drawing attention to escalating security challenges in rural areas.
President Tinubu stressed the need for enhanced protection. “Now, we must put as a matter of urgency more boots on the ground in the vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping,” he said, calling for increased patrols, community engagement, and intelligence sharing.
These events underscore the urgency of safeguarding education, especially for young girls in remote regions. Security experts and activists are urging the Nigerian government and international partners to deploy innovative solutions, from drone surveillance to community-led early warning systems, to protect vulnerable communities.
As Nigeria works to strengthen its security framework, the safe return of these 24 girls offers a moment of relief and a rallying point for protecting students across the country.
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Nigerian president confirms rescue of 24 abducted schoolgirls
cgtn.com
