The senator representing Kebbi south, Garba Maidoki, says he is optimistic that the abducted schoolgirls will be rescued soon.
During an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Wednesday, Maidoki stated that the girls remain within Kebbi south and have not been moved elsewhere.
He said, “We have a fair idea where the girls are, and we are sure they have not moved outside the Kebbi south senatorial district.”
He added that there is strong hope the girls will return safely within a short period, saying, “There is high hope that the girls will return home in one or two days.”
Describing the recent incident as the most distressing period of his life, the lawmaker referred to the abduction as “the most unfortunate week”, noting how insecurity has now struck close to home.
He explained that he visited Maga after the attack to comfort affected families, emphasising the expectations residents had placed on him. He said residents were assured of improved security after the elections, adding that safety was the top priority in his campaign.
Maidoki stated that efforts are being coordinated with government and security agencies to ensure the children’s prompt rescue, insisting, “This will not be like the Chibok girls. They will come back home.”
The abduction in Maga adds to the growing number of school kidnappings across the country. In 2014, Boko Haram kidnapped 276 students from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, and more than 90 of those students are still missing.
Gunmen attacked Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga on Monday, killing the vice principal who attempted to resist the assault.
Following the incident, the federal government has instructed security agencies to rescue the girls. Vice-President Kashim Shettima visited the area on Wednesday on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, reinforcing the “administration’s priority” of ensuring the children’s safe return. He added that the government will use every available means to secure their release.
The president has also delayed scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola in response to the situation.