By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Nigeria Confirms Lead on Where Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls Are Being Held
Nigeria has intensified rescue efforts after confirming a strong lead on the location of the 25 schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday night, also resulted in the death of the school’s vice principal, who attempted to confront the armed attackers.
Senator Garba Maidoki, who represents Kebbi South, disclosed during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, monitored by Africaworldnews, that officials “have a fair idea” of where the girls are being kept.
He added that intelligence reports indicate the students are still within the Kebbi South Senatorial District, raising fresh optimism about their safe recovery.
The Federal Government has directed security agencies to accelerate the search-and-rescue operation, a move that comes amid increasing international concern.
UNICEF and other global organisations have called for the immediate and safe return of the abducted children.
Vice President Kashim Shettima visited the affected community on Wednesday on the orders of President Bola Tinubu.
Arriving in Birnin Kebbi with senior government and party officials, Shettima assured families that all national security resources would be deployed to ensure the girls’ freedom.
He described the abduction as “an unfortunate setback” and commended security operatives for their ongoing efforts.
The situation has prompted President Tinubu to postpone scheduled diplomatic trips to South Africa and Angola as the administration focuses attention on the rescue mission.
The Kebbi school abduction adds to a troubling series of attacks on educational institutions across northern Nigeria, a pattern that came to international prominence following the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping.
Despite increased security deployments, criminal groups continue to target schools as soft spots for mass abductions.
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