Kebbi State Government has on Wednesday confirmed that none of the abducted 24 Maga schoolgirls who regained freedom was sexually molested while in the bandits’ camp.
According to Dr. Halima Bande, the State Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, she stated this during the formal handing over of the released schoolgirls to their parents and guardians at Government House, Birnin Kebbi.
Recall that terrorists invaded the school in the early hours of Monday, 17 November, launched an early morning attack on Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, and moved away with 25 schoolgirls.
“We are jubilating as we hand over these freed girls to their parents,” the Commissioner added.
“We give all glory to Allah, who made it possible for our leaders to actualise the rescue of these girls.”
“About eight days ago we were thrown into trauma because these girls were nowhere to be found.”
“Our leaders, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Executive Governor of Kebbi State joined forces, which resulted in the rescue of these girls.”
“Our greatest joy is that the medical report has shown that all of the girls are confirmed to be safe and free from any form of sexual abuse.”
The Commissioner also commended all other stakeholders, including parents, religious leaders, traditional institutions, and all other individuals who contributed to the success of the rescue mission.
During the handing over of the 24 schoolgirls to their parents, Governor Nasir Idris was present.
8 abducted in Kano
Recall that on Monday night, armed bandits relaunched an attack in Biresawa village, Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State, abducting no fewer than eight villagers.
The bandits’ incursion came amid intense security deployment and operational resources around Kano communities neighbouring Katsina State.
According to a reliable source who wanted to remain anonymous, the latest incursion ensued at midnight on Monday, when the bandits unleashed terror on the sleeping community.
He said, “They came as usual, and from our findings so far, two males and six females were taken away by the bandits. Up till now, there is no news of their whereabouts.”
Also speaking, one of the relatives of some of the victims in Biresawa, Kabiru Usman, said the attackers struck and took the victims from neighbouring Tsundu village.
“They came on foot, armed with guns. They kidnapped my wife, Umma; my 17-year-old daughter, Fati; my brother’s wife, and two other women,” Usman said.
He further disclosed that community members tried to repel the attack but were quickly overwhelmed. “We tried to stop them, but our weapons were no match for them, as they were carrying guns.”
