The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Kebbi State has strongly denounced the recent abduction of schoolgirls, labeling the act a calculated effort to cripple educational advancement in the region.
Speaking at a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Monday, the 24th of November, 2025, the coalition’s chairman, Ibrahim Ngaski, addressed the attack on Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, which occurred on the 17th of November, and resulted in the kidnapping of 25 students. Ngaski asserted that the incident is a direct threat to children’s safety and future prospects.
Ngaski emphasized the fundamental nature of education and the inherent right of children to learn in safety: “This act is a direct attack on the safety, education, and future of our children. Education is a fundamental right; no child should live in fear while pursuing their dreams,” Ngaski said.
Recommended Actions for Security and Resilience
The chairman put forward several recommendations for authorities to implement immediately:
Intensify Security: Ngaski called for boosted search and rescue operations and urged improved security surrounding all schools and vulnerable communities.
Relocation: He suggested relocating boarding schools situated in remote or vulnerable areas to safer locations.
Community Engagement: He stressed the importance of engaging community leaders to promote dialogue, build resilience, and develop prevention initiatives.
Psychological Support: Ngaski recommended providing immediate psychological support for the students, families, and communities affected by the trauma.
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Safe Schools Initiative: He highlighted the need for full implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, noting that Kebbi State is a beneficiary of grants under the World Bank’s AGILE Project.
IHe urged the Kebbi government to enhance cooperation and intelligence sharing with its neighbouring states Sokoto, Zamfara, and Niger to prevent future attacks.
Ngaski concluded his statement by calling for collective action from all stakeholders, including the media, parents, and teachers, to remain vigilant and support security agencies.
“Let’s unite in condemning violence and defending the rights of every child to live and learn without fear,” he said.