One student escapes captivity after gunmen kidnapped 25 girls from a Kebbi secondary school; security forces intensify efforts to rescue others.

One of the 25 students abducted from a secondary school in Maga, Kebbi State, has escaped her captors and returned home safely. The school’s principal confirmed the development as security forces intensify efforts to rescue the remaining 24 girls.

The mass kidnapping took place before dawn on Monday at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State. Gunmen attacked the school, abducted the students from their dormitory, and killed the school’s vice principal.

The student who escaped fled through nearby forests and arrived home late on Monday. Security forces have now launched a pursuit of the abductors.

According to the school’s principal Musa Rabi Magaji, the student’s safe return was confirmed late Monday. “One is part of the 25 abducted and the other one returned earlier,” Magaji told The Associated Press. “They are safe and sound.”

Detailing the escape, the principal had previously revealed that “the student who escaped fled forests and arrived home late on Monday, hours after the kidnapping.”

He also clarified that a second student managed to evade capture during the initial attack. “One other student, who was not among the 25 confirmed abducted, also escaped in the minutes that followed the attack.”

In response to the incident, Nigeria’s military leadership has become directly involved. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, visited the school and directed soldiers to conduct “intelligence-driven operations and relentless day and night pursuit of the abductors.” In an army statement, he emphasized that “We must find these children. Act decisively and professionally on all intelligence. Success is not optional.”

While No group has taken responsibility for this incident, analyst and locals say it could be one of several gangs that often target schools, travellers, remote villagers and kidnappings for ransoms. (AriseNews)