One of the 25 schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town has escaped and is now safe.
Authorities confirmed this on Tuesday, as security forces and local hunters intensify efforts to locate the remaining students.
The escapee returned home late on Monday, according to the school principal, Musa Rabi Magaji, who described her condition as “safe and sound.”
Another student reportedly avoided abduction entirely by fleeing during the predawn raid.
The two girls, who appear to be in their early teens, reunited with family members in their village.
Predawn raid claims vice principal’s life
The attack occurred before dawn on Monday when gunmen, reportedly arriving on multiple motorcycles, stormed the boarding school.
The vice principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, was killed during the assault. His wife, Amina Hassan, recounted the encounter:
“Three of them entered and asked my husband, ‘Are you Malam Hassan?’ When he confirmed, they said, ‘We are here to kill you.’”
Residents of Maga expressed shock at the attack. Abdulkarim Abdullahi, who lives near the school, said he heard gunfire from his home.
“I was at home when the shooting started. We were told the attackers came on many motorcycles,” he said.
Authorities intensify efforts to rescue remaining students
Security forces responded immediately. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, directed troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify intelligence-led operations, emphasizing that “success is not optional” in the effort to rescue the remaining girls.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris visited the school on Monday, vowing swift action to secure the students’ release.
President Bola Tinubu sent Vice President Kashim Shettima to Kebbi on Tuesday evening to meet with grieving families.
Tinubu assured that the federal government is committed to the girls’ safe and rapid return.
The abduction is part of a larger pattern of insecurity across northern Nigeria, where bandits and armed groups frequently target schools, travelers, and remote communities.
Security forces are continuing the search for the remaining abducted girls.