Police, Kebbi govt confirm abduction of 25 schoolgirls

The police and Kebbi State Government have confirmed that 25 students were abducted early Monday from Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in Danko Wasagu LGA.

Kebbi police spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Kotarkoshi, said terrorists armed with sophisticated weapons invaded the school at about 4 a.m., engaged security personnel, and fled with the students after scaling the fence.

He confirmed the death of one staff member, though community sources reported two casualties.

The state government said Deputy Governor Umar Tafida has visited the school alongside security officials to assess the situation.

Residents questioned how the attackers succeeded despite two military checkpoints near the school — one less than a kilometre away.

Community leaders alleged soldiers withdrew from the closer checkpoint despite an earlier directive from Governor Nasir Idris to reinforce it.

The Nigerian Army has not responded to inquiries.

Police, military personnel, and vigilantes are currently combing nearby forests to rescue the girls.

Security sources say the attackers could belong to gangs loyal to bandit leaders Dogo Gide or Falando, both active in the area.

The incident adds to a long list of mass school abductions across northern Nigeria since 2014, including Birnin Yauri, Jangebe, Tegina, Greenfield, and Kuriga.