The Kebbi State Government has reaffirmed that 24 schoolgirls remain in captivity following the attack on Government Girls’ Comprehensive Sec. School, Maga.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Halima Bande, clarified the figures in Zuru on Tuesday, cautioning journalists against spreading inaccurate reports that could heighten public anxiety.

She explained that 26 students were abducted during the invasion, but two — Salma and Hauwa’u Liman — managed to escape and reunite with their families.

“Only two have escaped so far. This is a tragedy that has put everyone around us in trauma. We don’t know where they sleep, the food they eat, or the environment they are in,” she said.

Families In Trauma, Security Agencies Intensify Efforts

Professor Bande described the situation as deeply traumatic for parents, school authorities, and the entire state.

She stressed that security agencies are intensifying efforts to locate and rescue the remaining students, while the government maintains close communication with families.

She also warned against misleading reports circulating on social media and some platforms, noting that misinformation could undermine rescue operations.

“I implore journalists and media outlets to rely only on authentic information regarding the incident,” she urged.

For context, Nigeria has faced repeated mass abductions of students in recent years, with the most notorious the abduction of 319 schoolgirls from Chibok in 2014.

Tinubu Orders Swift Action, Sends Shettima to Kebbi

President Bola Tinubu directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State to sympathize with families and assure them of government commitment to secure the girls’ release.

Tinubu also sent condolences to the military over the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other soldiers killed in Borno while fighting insurgents.

“As Commander‑in‑Chief, I am depressed with the tragic death of our soldiers. May God comfort their families,” he said.

He expressed sadness over the abduction despite intelligence warnings of a possible strike. Tinubu commended Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris for efforts to avert the kidnapping, but urged communities to share intelligence with the military, police, and DSS.

“Our security forces cannot succeed in protecting us if the people don’t cooperate. Your cooperation is crucial in our fight against these security challenges,” he added.

Kebbi abduction highlights the continuing vulnerability of schools in northern Nigeria, and the worsening menace and threats of Islamism across the entire country.