One of the 25 schoolgirls abducted during Monday’s predawn attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, has escaped and reunited safely with her family, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
According to the Associated Press, the school principal, Musa Rabi Magaji, disclosed that the girl returned home late Monday, while another student managed to flee during the raid and was never taken by the gunmen.
“They are safe and sound,” Magaji said, adding that both girls appeared to be in their early teens.
A video verified by AP showed the escapees surrounded by relieved family members in their community.
The attack, carried out by gunmen who stormed the school on motorcycles, has drawn heightened security response.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, ordered troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify intelligence-led search-and-rescue efforts across the region.
“We must find these children. Act decisively and professionally on all intelligence. Success is not optional,” Shaibu directed.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, visited the school on Monday, assuring parents and residents that the government was mobilising all necessary resources to secure the safe return of the remaining abductees.
Residents of Maga recounted the terrifying attack.
Abdulkarim Abdullahi said he was jolted by gunshots from the school, adding that the attackers rode into the compound “with many motorcycles.”
Amina Hassan, wife of the school’s slain vice principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, narrated how the gunmen identified her husband before killing him during the raid.
“Three of them entered and asked, ‘Are you Malam Hassan?’ He said ‘Yes.’ They told him, ‘We are here to kill you,’” she said.
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday evening, dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to Kebbi State to meet families of the abducted girls and assure them of the government’s commitment to securing their release.
As of press time, PUNCH Online could not independently verify all details of the incident. Attempts to reach the Kebbi State Police Command were ongoing.
The raid adds to a troubling wave of insecurity sweeping through northern Nigeria, where bandits frequently target schools, travellers and remote communities.
Twenty-four schoolgirls remain unaccounted for as security forces continue combing the forests and border routes in the ongoing rescue operation.