One of the 25 schoolgirls abducted from a school in northwestern Nigeria has escaped and is safe, authorities confirmed on Tuesday, as hunters and security forces intensify their search for the remaining missing students, AP News reports.
The girls were kidnapped before dawn on Monday when gunmen attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, Kebbi State.
The Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, ordered troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify efforts in the search-and-rescue mission for students abducted in Kebbi State.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, visited the school on Monday, promising swift action to rescue the girls.
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, directed “intelligence-driven operations and relentless day-and-night pursuit of the abductors.”
He added, “We must find these children. Act decisively and professionally on all intelligence. Success is not optional.”
Families in Maga recounted the predawn attack with shock and grief.
Resident Abdulkarim Abdullahi said he overheard the gunfire from his home.
“I was at home when I suddenly heard gunshots from the school. We were told that the attackers entered the school with many motorcycles,” he said.
