Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has assured parents and guardians of public school students that security has been significantly strengthened across post-primary schools following the recent abduction of 25 female students from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga.
Authorities confirmed that one of the abducted students escaped shortly after the incident, while 24 others were later released and handed over to the Kebbi State First Lady, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Idris.
Speaking on Friday, the governor said the state government has initiated extensive consultations with key stakeholders to review and reinforce security measures in schools. These consultations involve heads of security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, education experts, and security consultants, with the aim of preventing a recurrence of such incidents.
Governor Idris, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, made the assurance at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Kebbi State Qur’anic Recitation. He appealed to parents to remain calm and cooperate with the government as comprehensive security arrangements are being put in place.
“The safety of our children is non-negotiable. The government is working round the clock with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that schools are fully secured before reopening,” the deputy governor said.
Expressing deep concern over the incident, Idris, a former teacher, described the abduction as personally distressing and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education as a top priority. He also called on wealthy individuals and politicians in the state to support government efforts aimed at improving educational standards and learning environments.
The governor expressed confidence that the nation’s current security architecture, under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, would gradually curb armed banditry. He noted his longstanding and productive working relationship with the military leadership.
The state government announced that public schools would reopen once all security measures are concluded and certified adequate.
At the event, traditional institutions were represented by the Galadiman Gwandu, Alhaji Ibrahim Bashar, on behalf of the Emir of Gwandu; the Kunduda of Argungu, Alhaji Ibrahim Kwaido, representing the Emir of Argungu; and the Sadaukin Zuru, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Zuru, representing the Emir of Zuru.
Six participants from the Zuru Emirate emerged winners at the Qur’anic Recitation competition, receiving prizes including motorcycles, refrigerators, sewing machines, and complete sets of beds and chairs.
