Gender Educators Initiative Demands Urgent Action as FG Vows Rescue of Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls

The Gender Educators Initiative (GEI) has urged the Federal Government to take swift and decisive action to secure the safe return of schoolgirls abducted from Government Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

In a Tuesday statement signed by its Executive Lead, Shafa’atu Suleiman, the organisation strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous and unacceptable violation of the rights and safety of Nigerian children.” Armed assailants reportedly stormed the school in the early hours of Monday, abducting several students and heightening concerns over worsening insecurity in Kebbi State and across the North-West.

GEI expressed deep concern over the incident, lamenting that women, girls and children continue to bear the brunt of violent attacks in the region. It called on the Federal Government to work closely with security agencies and the Kebbi State Government to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of the abducted students.

The group further outlined recommendations for strengthening school safety, including improving the Safe Schools Initiative through proper perimeter fencing, trained security personnel and early-warning mechanisms for vulnerable communities. It also advocated for enhanced community policing, intelligence sharing and better psychosocial support for survivors.

GEI stressed that addressing root causes of insecurity — such as poverty, unemployment and limited access to education — is crucial to ending repeated attacks on schools and rural communities. Suleiman emphasised that protecting women and children must be central to national security strategies, stating that no Nigerian child should have to choose between learning and personal safety.

The organisation reaffirmed its solidarity with the affected families and the Maga community, urging authorities to act promptly to restore security and hope.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has pledged to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted schoolgirls. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said in a statement that the government is deeply concerned for the victims and remains committed to bringing them home safely.