Group welcomes rescue of Kebbi schoolgirls, urges stronger security measures

The Network for Peace and Development and, NPD, has welcomed the rescue of the 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The students were abducted in the early hours of Monday, November 17, when armed men attacked the school, killing the vice principal and injuring a security guard. One of the students had earlier escaped from captivity, while the remaining girls regained freedom on Tuesday.

Reacting to the development, the group, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Moses Adamu, commended the federal government and security agencies involved in the operation.

Adamu acknowledged the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, saying the prompt directive to security agencies contributed to the coordinated response that led to the rescue.

He also highlighted the roles played by the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the personnel who participated in the operation.

According to him, the NPD supported security agencies with community intelligence and mobilised local hunters during the eight-day search.

The group expressed condolences over the killing of Malami Hassan Makuku, the school’s vice principal who was murdered during the attack, and urged authorities to prioritise measures that will improve safety in schools across the country.