President Tinubu Welcomes Release of Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls
President Bola Tinubu has expressed relief and welcomed the safe release of the 24 schoolgirls who were abducted by terrorists in Maga, Kebbi State. The incident occurred on November 17, 2025, when armed terrorists stormed the school at dawn, moments after a military detachment had left the premises.
Copycat Kidnappings and Security Response
According to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the Kebbi incident triggered several copycat kidnappings in other states. In Eruku, Kwara State, all 38 kidnapped victims were freed on Sunday. The same day, the Niger State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria reported that 50 missing students from the Catholic School in Niger had been found safe in their parents' homes.
President Tinubu applauded security agents for their efforts in securing the freedom of all victims but emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent further incidents. "I am relieved that all 24 girls have been accounted for. Now, we must put as a matter of urgency more boots on the ground in the vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping. My government will offer all the assistance needed to achieve this," the President stated.
Latest Kidnapping Incident in Kwara State
In a related development, the Kwara State Police Command clarified that 10 people, not 11 as initially reported, were kidnapped at Isapa in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. The incident occurred on November 24, 2025, when armed men suspected to be herders invaded the village, shooting sporadically.
Police spokesperson Adetou Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed that one woman sustained a gunshot wound to her leg but has since been treated and discharged. The gravity of the situation prompted Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo to visit Isapa community for an on-the-spot assessment and meet with traditional rulers including the Onisapa of Isapa Land, Oba Gbenga Adeyeye and Olokesa of Okesa Land, Oba Olu Fagbamila Raphael Olusegun.
A comprehensive search-and-rescue operation is currently underway, involving police tactical teams and local vigilante groups who are combing surrounding bushes to rescue the victims and apprehend the culprits.
