A sense of cautious relief spread across Kebbi State on Tuesday after authorities confirmed that two of the schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, had escaped from their abductors.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Halima Bande, who spoke during a briefing in Zuru, revealed that the escape of the two students has offered a glimmer of hope in an otherwise devastating situation. She noted that a total of 26 students were seized during the violent attack that claimed the life of the school’s vice principal.
According to Bande, the two girls who found their way to safety have been identified as Salma and Hauwa’u Liman, and are currently receiving care. However, 24 other schoolgirls remain missing, a reality that continues to weigh heavily on families and the wider community.
Bande expressed deep concern over the wellbeing of the girls still in captivity, stressing that no one can ascertain the conditions they are being subjected to. She described the emotional toll on the state as “traumatic,” especially for parents who have had no contact with their children.
She also called on media outlets and the public to avoid amplifying misinformation, warning that inaccurate reports have been circulating since the incident. She urged all stakeholders to rely strictly on verified updates.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, saw armed men storm the school premises, killing the vice principal before abducting the students. Security forces, including vigilantes and hunters familiar with the terrain, have since launched coordinated search operations across the forested areas surrounding Maga.
Despite the tense atmosphere, authorities say the safe return of the remaining students remains the government’s top priority.
