CSOs Condemn Abduction of Kebbi Schoolgirls

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The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kebbi State has condemned the recent abduction of students from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, describing the incident as a “heinous act and a direct attack on the safety and future of our children.”

Speaking at a press conference, the coalition expressed deep concern over the actions of armed bandits who orchestrated the attack, calling it unacceptable and a violation of the fundamental rights of the affected schoolgirls.

The Chairman of the coalition, Comrade Ibrahim A. Ngaski, speaking on behalf of the group, sympathized with the government and people of Kebbi State, especially the parents of the abducted students. He urged the authorities to intensify efforts to ensure the immediate and safe return of all kidnapped victims.

The coalition outlined a series of recommendations to the government, including intensifying search and rescue operations to recover all abducted girls and others held captive, and strengthening security around schools and vulnerable communities, and relocating boarding schools in high-risk areas to safer locations to prevent future attacks.

They urged the government to engage community leaders and stakeholders to promote peace, resilience, and intelligence sharing across all wards and villages, as well as providing psychological and other support to families of the victims.

Comrade Ibrahim Ngaski called for the full implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, noting that Kebbi State is already benefiting from World Bank grants under the AGILE Project, enhancing collaboration with neighbouring states including Sokoto, Zamfara, and Niger in intelligence gathering and security operations, and sustaining support for security agencies to overcome ongoing security challenges.

The coalition also appealed to the international community, the media, and all Nigerians to stand in solidarity with the affected families and to amplify calls for justice and better protection for schoolchildren.

Comrade Ibrahim Ngaski urged parents, teachers, and communities to remain vigilant and cooperate closely with security authorities.
“Let us unite in condemning violence and defending the rights of every child to live and learn without fear,” he said.

He reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to monitoring the situation and holding the government accountable to ensure such incidents do not occur again.

“Together, we can ensure our schools remain safe, and restore learning and hope,” the statement concluded.