Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls: Reactions as FG vows swift rescue

Some Nigerians have reacted to the female students who were abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Report gathered that on Sunday, some bandits or terrorists attacked the Maga Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, 25 female students were confirmed abducted and one staff member was killed.

Ex-Minister, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami who on X saddened over this attack reiterated that right to education is fundamental and must never be denied by violence, intimidation of terrorists and other criminals.

Pantami said the security and welfare of Nigerians are the primary responsibilities of the government, as enshrined in our 1999 constitution as amended.

“This tragic incident reminds us of the urgent need for all tiers of government and security agencies to rise decisively in order to protect our citizens and safeguard our schools at all levels”.

He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted students and bring the perpetrators of this heinous attack to justice.
While also urged the government to honour the amazing heroism of the late Vice Principal who, in attempt to protect his students from harm, lost his life in the process. “He is indeed a hero”, the Minister said.

Pantami extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the Governor of Kebbi State, the people, and the entire educational community in this difficult moment.

He prayed to Allah to humiliate all the criminals perpetuating these evil actions and similar ones all over the country. “May He continue to guide and support our security agencies to bring an end to these security challenges”.
The 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi who is faraway in Monaco on X, said, “Sadly, similar acts of violence continue elsewhere.

Revealing that in Zamfara State, some bandits reportedly killed three persons and abducted about 64 others in Fegin Baza village, Tsafe LGA which he said they are devastating and unacceptable losses.

He sympathized with the government and people of Kebbi and Zamfara States, the parents and families of the abducted girls, and all those affected by this tragedy.
“Entire communities are living in fear; schools—safe havens for learning—are now vulnerable targets. Families are being torn apart, and innocent lives are being destroyed. This is not the Nigeria we should accept”, Obi added.

The former Governor called on the government at all levels to urgently intensify security efforts, overhaul the country’s security architecture.

While ensure the safe rescue of the abducted girls, and prevent further attacks on the schools and communities. “Our children must never be left at the mercy of terrorists”.

He prayed for the safe return of the abducted girls, for healing and protection for every affected family. “May God guide our security agencies as they work tirelessly to bring them home.
“May the soul of the staff member who lost his life rest in peace, and may God comfort the bereaved families and grant them the strength to bear these unimaginable losses”, Obi concluded.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has Condemned the attack, expressed deep concern and solidarity with the families of the abducted female students.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris who on behalf of the Federal Government shared in the victim family’s pain and are firmly committed to bringing the girls home safely.

The Minister reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to protecting every Nigerian, especially schoolchildren, which he said it remains a solemn responsibility of the State.
According to him, “The government condemns the reprehensible attack on innocent students and the killing of school officials who were carrying out their noble duty.

“Our security and intelligence agencies have been issued clear directives to locate, rescue, and safely return the students, and to ensure that perpetrators face justice. The Federal Government will not relent until this objective is achieved.

He assured Nigerians that strengthening internal security remains a top priority, adding that the FG is recalibrating the nation’s military, policing, and intelligence capabilities to more effectively prevent these attacks and respond with greater speed and precision whenever threats arise.

“Nigeria is also reinforcing cooperation with regional partners through ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to secure our borders and disrupt terrorist and criminal networks. We urge the public to remain calm and confident”, he concluded.