One of the 25 schoolgirls abducted from a school in northwestern Nigeria has escaped and is safe, authorities confirmed on Tuesday, as hunters and security forces intensify their search for the remaining missing students, AP News reports.
The girls were kidnapped before dawn on Monday when gunmen attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, Kebbi State.
The school principal, Musa Rabi Magaji, confirmed that the first escapee arrived home late on Monday.
Another student managed to flee immediately after the raid and was not taken.
“They are safe and sound,” Magaji told The Associated Press.
A video verified by AP shows the two schoolgirls, appearing to be in their early teens, surrounded by family members in the village.
The attack prompted an immediate response from security forces.
The Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, ordered troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify efforts in the search-and-rescue mission for students abducted in Kebbi State.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, visited the school on Monday, promising swift action to rescue the girls.
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, said: “We must find these children. Act decisively and professionally on all intelligence. Success is not optional.”
Families in Maga recounted the predawn attack with shock and grief.
Resident Abdulkarim Abdullahi said he overheard the gunfire from his home.
“I was at home when I suddenly heard gunshots from the school. We were told that the attackers entered the school with many motorcycles,” he said.
Amina Hassan, wife of the school vice principal Hassan Yakubu Makuku—who was killed by the gunmen—described the attack on her husband.
“Three of them entered and asked my husband, ‘Are you Malam Hassan?’ and he responded, ‘Yes, I am.’ They told him that we are here to kill you.”
On Tuesday evening, President Bola Tinubu sent Vice President Kashim Shettima to Kebbi State to meet with grieving families of the schoolgirls abducted from a boarding school in Maga.
He also promised that the government is working to ensure their safe and swift return.
The PUNCH
