Nigerian Government Announces Rescue of 24 Schoolgirls Abducted from Kebbi State
The Nigerian government has confirmed that all 24 schoolgirls abducted from a school in Kebbi state last week have been rescued. The girls, who were taken by assailants on November 17, had previously escaped one of their captors, but the remaining 23 were rescued without details on their condition being made public.
According to President Bola Tinubu's statement, the rescue is a relief for all parties involved, and he has urged an urgent increase in security measures in vulnerable areas to prevent further kidnappings. The attack on the Government Girls Comprehensive secondary school was one of several recent mass abductions in Nigeria, including a raid on St Mary's school in Niger state that saw over 300 students and staff abducted.
The girls who were rescued are being held by authorities, with some reports suggesting they are in Birnin Kebbi. Their families have expressed relief and gratitude for their daughters' safe return, but some have also raised concerns about the government's handling of the situation.
Experts say that schools have become a target for armed gangs due to their strategic importance and the presence of valuable resources. The kidnappings have been attributed to former herders who have turned to armed robbery after clashes over land and resources.
The crisis has led to international condemnation, with US President Donald Trump sparking controversy by claiming that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria. In reality, attacks have affected both Christians and Muslims, making it essential for authorities to address the root causes of insecurity in the country.
So far this year, at least 1,500 students have been abducted, many of whom were released after ransoms were paid. As arrests remain rare and ransom payments are common, the Nigerian government's efforts to tackle the crisis will be closely monitored by locals and international observers alike.
The Nigerian government has confirmed that all 24 schoolgirls abducted from a school in Kebbi state last week have been rescued. The girls, who were taken by assailants on November 17, had previously escaped one of their captors, but the remaining 23 were rescued without details on their condition being made public.
According to President Bola Tinubu's statement, the rescue is a relief for all parties involved, and he has urged an urgent increase in security measures in vulnerable areas to prevent further kidnappings. The attack on the Government Girls Comprehensive secondary school was one of several recent mass abductions in Nigeria, including a raid on St Mary's school in Niger state that saw over 300 students and staff abducted.
The girls who were rescued are being held by authorities, with some reports suggesting they are in Birnin Kebbi. Their families have expressed relief and gratitude for their daughters' safe return, but some have also raised concerns about the government's handling of the situation.
Experts say that schools have become a target for armed gangs due to their strategic importance and the presence of valuable resources. The kidnappings have been attributed to former herders who have turned to armed robbery after clashes over land and resources.
The crisis has led to international condemnation, with US President Donald Trump sparking controversy by claiming that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria. In reality, attacks have affected both Christians and Muslims, making it essential for authorities to address the root causes of insecurity in the country.
So far this year, at least 1,500 students have been abducted, many of whom were released after ransoms were paid. As arrests remain rare and ransom payments are common, the Nigerian government's efforts to tackle the crisis will be closely monitored by locals and international observers alike.