Coordinator Office Of The First Lady Condemns Abduction of 25 Schoolgirls in Kebbi

…Calls for Immediate Rescue and Strengthened School Safety

By Adesuwa Ehimuan

The Coordinator Office Of The First Lady Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani has condemn the abduction of twenty-five school girls from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The coordinator stated this while reacting to the incident that happened recently in a statement personally signed and made available to journalists in Benin City.

She stated that the country cannot continue to witness the abduction of children who simply want to learn, emphasising that every girl in Nigeria has a right to safety and education without fear.

Mrs. Anani further stated that the abduction of the girls in Kebbi State is heartbreaking and completely unacceptable.

She added that this is not an isolated event, stressing that Nigeria has faced a disturbing history of school attacks including the abduction of the Chibok girls in 2014, the Dapchi girls in 2018, and multiple mass kidnappings by armed groups across the northern region.

She also said in 2020, three hundred and three school children were kidnapped from Government Science Secondary School Kankara in Katsina State. In 2021, three hundred and seventeen schoolgirls were abducted in Jangebe, Zamfara State. In the same year, students and teachers were taken from Government Science College in Kagara Niger State.

Mrs Anani noted that the recurring attacks continue to traumatise families and weaken the confidence of parents in both the education system and the ability of government to protect their children.
According to her, “We call for swift action by all security and intelligence agencies to locate and safely rescue the abducted girls and their principal”.

“We also call for stronger community-based protection systems, improved early warning mechanisms, and increased investment in school safety across all states”.

She assured that Edo State Government stands with the families and communities affected by the attack and remain committed to supporting efforts that protect children, especially girls, and ensure that they can learn in safe and supportive environments.

Reports confirm that armed men attacked the school community in the early hours of Monday 17 November 2025, killed the vice principal, and abducted the principal along with the students.

This tragic incident reinforces the urgent need to strengthen the protection of children in all learning environments.