Kebbi confirms freed schoolgirls not sexually abused after medical tests

The Kebbi State Government has confirmed that none of the 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, suffered any form of sexual abuse while in captivity.

The confirmation was given on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Halima Bande, during the formal handover of the rescued students to their parents at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

She said the medical examination conducted on all the girls showed they were safe and had not been subjected to sexual violence.

“Today, we are in a happy mood as we hand over these freed girls to their parents.

“We give all glory to our Creator… Our greatest joy is that the medical report has shown that all of the girls are confirmed to be safe,” she said.

Suspected bandits had attacked the school in the early hours of Monday, November 17, abducting 24 students and sparking widespread concern across the state.

Governor Nasir Idris, who also addressed the gathering, expressed gratitude to God for the successful rescue operation, describing it as a moment of immense relief for the state.

“I am the happiest person because these girls were safely rescued unharmed.

‘This is a happy day we have long awaited,” he said.

The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the National Security Adviser, the Minister of State for Defence and security chiefs to coordinate the rescue effort, saying such collaboration yielded positive results.

Idris urged the girls not to lose interest in their education despite the traumatic experience and advised residents to continue to promote peace, noting that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.

He also praised the cordial relationship between former governors of the state and the current administration, describing their unity as a sign of progress rarely seen elsewhere.

The governor further announced that security personnel had been assigned to escort the girls and their families safely back to their communities.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Malam Ibrahim Haruna-Maga, alongside Malam Iliyasu Birnin-Tudu and Malam Umaru Garba, thanked the federal and state governments as well as security agencies for ensuring the safe return of their children.

They prayed for divine blessings upon everyone involved in the rescue.

The statement was signed by Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kebbi State.