Post by : Rameen Ariff

Kebbi, Nigeria – November 19, 2025: Two girls have remarkably escaped after armed bandits kidnapped at least 25 students and a teacher from a boarding school in north-western Nigeria's Kebbi state, as confirmed by local officials on Tuesday. The girls managed to flee while being led into the forest by their captors, traversing farmland to reach safety. One of the escapees needed medical care due to a leg injury sustained during the escape.

The assault on the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga occurred early Monday morning at around 04:00 local time (03:00 GMT). Witnesses indicated that the gunmen, who are locally referred to as “bandits,” overpowered police officers stationed at the school and took the students and staff hostage.

Sadly, two staff members lost their lives during the attack. One teacher was killed while trying to safeguard the students, and a security guard later succumbed to injuries in the hospital. The security guard’s granddaughter and great-granddaughter were among those abducted, leaving the family grieving.

Local authorities, comprising military personnel, police, and volunteers, are currently searching forested areas to rescue the remaining hostages. Maj Gen Waidi Shaibu, Nigeria’s army chief of staff, has encouraged troops to continue operations around the clock, stressing the importance of finding the missing children.

The kidnapping has caused deep distress in families. A father, whose daughter is still missing, spoke of the emotional burden on his family, sharing that his daughters had initially hidden during the attack, but one had to surrender when confronted by the armed men.

“This crisis has shattered our families’ peace,” he lamented. “It’s unbearable to return home and see their faces without knowing if our children are safe.”

Over the last decade, there has been a troubling increase in school abductions in northern Nigeria, typically carried out by armed groups seeking ransom or negotiating power with the government. Such incidents have sown fear in communities, disrupting education and leaving residents anxious.

The Nigerian central government has expressed significant concern about the abduction. Information Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi stated that authorities are working diligently to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped students and staff. President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding all Nigerians, especially schoolchildren, as efforts to secure the remaining captives persist.

This recent incident highlights the ongoing security challenges affecting schools in northern Nigeria, revealing the vulnerabilities faced by students and the persistent issues officials encounter in protecting educational institutions from violent acts.

#Global