Twenty-four Kebbi schoolgirls abducted last week were safely rescued and handed over to the First Lady, with security measures to prevent recurrence

Twenty-four students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, who were abducted last week, were on Wednesday formally handed over to the First Lady of Kebbi State, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Idris.

Also read: Kebbi Governor Demands Answers Over School Abduction

The ceremony, held in Birnin Kebbi, was conducted by the Commissioner for Education, Halima Bande, who confirmed that all the students were in good health and unharmed during captivity.

“Since the abduction, the governor has been restless. He lost sleep and stayed back to coordinate every move. We cannot thank him enough for his doggedness,” Bande said, praising Governor Nasir Idris for his active involvement in securing the girls’ release.

On behalf of the parents, Malam Illiyasu Garba expressed gratitude to the governor, security agencies, religious leaders, and community volunteers. “We were confident that with Governor Idris involved, our children would return safely. Today, we thank Allah that they are back,” he said.

The District Head of Maga, Muhammad Sani Dantani, also commended the swift response, noting that the governor took the security of his people as a personal responsibility, ensuring the students’ safe return.

Receiving the students on behalf of the state government, First Lady Hajiya Idris reassured parents that stronger safety measures would be implemented to prevent a recurrence.

Also read: Governor Idris Says all 24 Freed Schoolgirls Are in Good Health

“Kebbi is fortunate that the rescue was achieved within one week. No parent should lose faith in education because of this,” she said, describing the return as “a blessing and relief for the entire state.”