The recent release of students from Kebbi's Government Girls Secondary School has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria, with several citizens expressing concerns about the circumstances surrounding their freedom.
Controversial Video Sparks Public Reaction
Following the abduction of students from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Danko district of Danko Wasagu Local Government Area in Kebbi State, their release on November 25, 2025 was met with both relief and skepticism. A video showing the freed girls being interviewed while on a bus quickly circulated online, prompting various observations from concerned Nigerians.
Four Key Observations That Raised Eyebrows
1. Unexpected Facial Expressions
Idris Abdur-Rahman Suleiman, identified on X as @Mr_Ibn_khaldun, noted something unusual about the students' appearance. He expressed surprise that their faces showed no signs of sorrow or trauma typically associated with kidnapping victims. According to his observation, the girls appeared as if they were returning from an educational excursion rather than from days in captivity.
2. Questioning Rescue Operation Details
Another X user, @UnfilteredUnc_, raised serious questions about the rescue operation's authenticity. He pointed out that typical rescue missions involving armed confrontation usually leave clear evidence such as casualties, arrests, injuries, or signs of resistance. The complete absence of these elements, combined with the girls' unusually calm and composed demeanor immediately after rescue, struck him as highly unusual for children who should have experienced traumatic events.
3. Comparative Analysis with Kwara Worshippers
A Nigerian lady using the handle @efya_bardi conducted a comparative analysis between the Kebbi students' video and footage of recently released worshippers from Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State. She highlighted significant differences in countenance, noting that the Kebbi students appeared unusually clean and less frightened compared to what would be expected from abduction victims. Her observation led her to question the authenticity of this particular release.
4. Language and Physical Condition Concerns
Writer Charles Kay Anyabuike expressed concerns on Facebook about both the language capabilities and physical condition of the 24 released students. He questioned why senior secondary school students couldn't speak English during the interview and wondered about their teaching language. Additionally, he noted that the girls didn't appear to have suffered despite spending nine days in captivity, describing the entire situation as suspicious from the initial withdrawal of soldiers guarding the school to the eventual release.
Growing Public Skepticism
The observations have fueled broader public skepticism about the circumstances surrounding the students' abduction and release. Many Nigerians are demanding more transparency about the terms negotiated for the students' freedom and the actual events that transpired during their captivity. The unusual calmness displayed by the young victims, combined with the lack of visible signs of struggle or hardship, continues to generate questions and concerns across social media platforms and public discourse.
