Civil society groups and rights advocates have intensified their condemnation of the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, describing the incident as a brutal indictment of the government’s persistent security lapses. The groups say the attack reflects a deepening national crisis and underscores the urgent need for stronger, more accountable leadership to protect vulnerable communities.
Also, the recent ambush of Nigerian soldiers on a mission to rescue the girls has intensified public anger over the worsening security situation, particularly the repeated abductions of schoolchildren in northern Nigeria.
In a statement, the FAME Foundation said it was “deeply shocked and heartbroken” by the abduction.
“How can this still be happening in our nation? How are our children still unsafe in their own classrooms?” the group asked, insisting that the tragedy must not be treated as “just another headline.”
FAME expressed concern that the girls’ dreams had been violently disrupted, calling on government and security agencies to act decisively, declaring:
“Our schools must be safe. Our girls must be protected. Our nation must do better.”
VIEW: ‘A Brutal Indictment of the State’
Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW), a coalition active across northern Nigeria, issued an extensive and strongly worded statement expressing “profound outrage” over the abduction, describing it as “a brutal indictment of the Nigerian State’s failure to protect its most vulnerable citizens.”
The group noted that armed men not only invaded a place of learning but also murdered the school’s Vice Principal before abducting 25 girls.
VIEW said the incident painfully highlights that northern Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous places in the world for a girl seeking an education, more than a decade after the Chibok, Dapchi, and Jangebe abductions.
The coalition criticised years of unfulfilled promises and the ineffective implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, saying:
“Our schools remain as exposed as ever. Our daughters are once again missing. We must ask—where are our leaders?”
VIEW accused political and community leaders of failing in their duty to protect children and questioned whether the continued insecurity is part of “a larger plan—intentional or through neglect—to keep northern girls uneducated, silent, and powerless.”
Demands for Action
The group called for immediate, intelligence-driven rescue operations, insisting on daily public updates, accountability, and visible leadership.
VIEW directly challenged the President, the First Lady, Kebbi State Governor, Northern Governors’ Forum, legislators, traditional rulers, and heads of security agencies to act decisively.
“This is not a moment for silence. This is not a moment for excuses. This is a moment for accountability and swift action,” the statement said.
The coalition insisted that the abduction of the Maga schoolgirls must be treated as a national emergency, not a political talking point or another entry in what it described as “Nigeria’s growing archive of grief.”
‘Their Return Must Be a Test of Our Humanity’
VIEW concluded with a powerful appeal:
“No nation can claim to value its future while abandoning its daughters to violence. The girls of Maga must be located, rescued, and reunited with their families without delay. Nothing is more urgent. Nothing is more important.”
The signatories to the statement include Asmau Joda, Maryam Uwais, Mairo Mandara, Aisha Oyebode, Fatima Akilu, Kadaria Ahmed, Larai Ocheja Amusan, and Ier Jonathan-Ichaver.
Security forces say operations are ongoing to track the terrorists and secure the safe return of the abducted schoolgirls.
Late-night plans hit differently when you have amazing company, laughter and unforgettable memories. Saturday nights are meant to be special! 🌙🔥