Abduction: Kebbi gov assures parents of quick release of their wards

Kebbi State governor, Dr. Nasiru Idris, has assured parents of the abducted students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Zuru Local Government Area, of the state that their children will be rescued soon.

The governor gave the assurance while addressing journalists in Maga shortly after meeting with security agencies, traditional rulers, parents of the students, and other stakeholders.

Governor Idris said security operatives were working round the clock to ensure the safe return of the schoolgirls kidnapped during the early morning attack.

“We have urged the parents to remain confident as security operatives are doing the needful. We are in Maga to give hope to our people and encourage them,” he stated.

Meanwhile, distraught parents of the students have continued to express shock over the incident, appealing to both the federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to intensify efforts to rescue their children.

One of the parents, Malam Tukur Sani, said he received the distressing news as he was preparing to go to his farm.

“Since morning, I have been in the school compound to see what is happening and hoping our children would be rescued today. All we have seen are security operatives — the Army, Police, and vigilante members,” he said.

Amina, wife of the slain Vice Principal, Malam Lawali Altine, said her daughter, Hauwau Lawali, a JSS 2 student, was among the abducted students. She appealed to the government to help secure the release of the young girls.

Another parent, Hajiya Rani Maga, said her daughter was also kidnapped. She disclosed that she was at the school premises without eating, overwhelmed by shock and tears. She urged the authorities at all levels to intervene urgently.

Similarly, Amina Hassan, wife of the school’s security officer who was shot dead during the attack, narrated how the bandits stormed their residence and killed her husband in her presence.

As of the time of filing this report, three of the abducted students had escaped and returned to the school.