Kebbi community holds special prayers for release of abducted schoolgirls

The Maga community in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State will on Friday hold a special prayer session seeking divine intervention for the safe return of the schoolgirls abducted earlier this week.

The District Head of Maga, Muhammad Sanid Dantani, confirmed the development in an interview with our correspondent on telephone on Thursday, saying the entire community remains deeply shaken by the incident and has resorted to spiritual supplication as authorities intensify rescue efforts.

“We have decided to gather on Friday for a special prayer for the safe return of our daughters.

“The whole community is traumatised, and we believe prayer is our strongest weapon at this moment,” the district head told our correspondent.

Armed bandits invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in the early hours of Monday and kidnapped 25 students, sparking widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger security around schools in the North-West.

The attack occurred barely an hour after security personnel earlier detailed to guard the school reportedly withdrew from their duty post—an action that community leaders and parents say may have created a vulnerability exploited by the attackers.

The abduction adds to a string of similar incidents targeting schools in northern Nigeria since the mass kidnapping of Chibok schoolgirls in 2014. In Kebbi State alone, previous attacks on schools in Yauri and other communities have left parents and residents in constant fear.

Residents of Maga have been holding nightly gatherings, offering solidarity to the affected families and urging authorities to expedite action.

Friday’s special prayer, expected to draw clerics, traditional leaders, political office holders and residents, is part of the community’s collective response.

According to the district head, the prayer will also focus on peace and security across the region, which has continued to witness violent attacks despite ongoing military operations.

Governor Nasir Idris, who visited the community earlier in the week, assured parents that the government is working with security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the schoolgirls.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through Vice President Kashim Shettima, also pledged the deployment of all necessary resources to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims.

A similar special prayer was held in Zuru town on Wednesday and Thursday.