In a wave of nationwide relief, Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris has officially confirmed the safe return of the 24 schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga.
Crucially, the Governor emphatically stated that the rescue operation was successfully executed without the payment of a single kobo in ransom.
The announcement brings a joyous end to days of agonizing uncertainty that gripped the state and the nation following the attack in the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.
A Victory for Security Efforts
Speaking to the press in Birnin Kebbi, Governor Idris attributed the breakthrough entirely to the coordinated and decisive efforts of the nation’s security architecture—specifically the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the police.
“No ransom was paid. The Kebbi State Government did not pay a kobo, and neither did the Federal Government. The rescue was achieved solely through the efforts of the security agencies,” Governor Idris affirmed.
The Governor expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had reportedly given firm directives to security agencies to secure the immediate and safe return of the girls. The success is seen by many as a significant victory for the government’s renewed commitment to tackling insecurity without enabling the criminal enterprise of kidnapping through ransom payments.
Reuniting the ‘Daughters of Kebbi’
The rescued students, confirmed to be in good physical health, were reportedly received by the Governor before their official reunion with their anxious parents.
The community, which had been praying ceaselessly since the abduction, is now preparing for the emotional homecoming of their daughters.
The Governor also used the opportunity to thank the religious leaders, citizens, and national figures who showed solidarity with the state during the difficult period.
The Road Ahead: Securing Our Schools
While the celebration is immense, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing educational institutions in the region.
The focus now shifts to ensuring such an incident can never happen again.
As President Tinubu and Governor Idris have both stressed, the next step is to intensify security efforts in vulnerable areas to protect students and staff.
The Kebbi State Government is expected to work closely with federal agencies to bolster school security, perhaps incorporating lessons learned from this operation.
This safe return is more than just a rescue; it is a vital morale boost for communities dedicated to the cause of girls’ education, proving that with strategic action and resolve, the forces of criminality can be defeated.
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