Kebbi LG Chairman Debunks Christian-Abduction Claim, Publishes Names of 25 Missing Girls

The Chairman of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area in Kebbi State, Hussaini Aliyu, has dismissed claims by US lawmaker Riley Moore alleging that the recent abduction of schoolgirls from the Maga community took place in a Christian area. Aliyu stressed that the Zuru Emirate, under which the community falls, has never experienced any form of religious crisis.

Aliyu stated that all 25 abducted schoolgirls are Muslims and urged Moore to refrain from making unverified comments capable of heightening religious or ethnic tensions. He said such statements were particularly dangerous at a time when authorities are focused on rescuing the victims and restoring calm.

Expressing concern over the lawmaker’s remarks, the LG chairman questioned why Moore would make comments that portray Nigeria negatively on the international stage. He emphasized that the Zuru Emirate has long been known for peaceful coexistence and has not been affected by religious conflicts.

Aliyu also released the names of the abducted students as follows:

Senior Secondary School 2A

1. Fatima Sani Zimri

2. Hafsat Ibrahim

3. Nana Firdausi Jibril

4. Masauda Yakubu Romo

Senior Secondary School 2B

5. Hauwa Saleh
6. Hauwau Umar Imam

Senior Secondary School 3A & 3B

7. Salima Garba Umar
8. Salima Sani Zimri
9. Amina G. Umar
10. Rashida Muhammad Dingu
11. Saliha Umar
12. Aisha Usman
13. Jamila Iliyasu
14. Maryam Illiyasu
15. Najaatu Abdullahi
16. Zainab Kolo

Junior Secondary School 3A

17. Surraya Tukur
18. Hafsat Umar Yalmo
19. Maryam Usman
20. Amina Illiyasu
21. Ikilima Suleman

Junior Secondary School 2

22. Khadija Nazifi
23. Hauwa’u Iliyasu
24. Hauwa’u Lawali
25. Ummu Kulsum Abdulkarim

Kebbi Kidnap Crisis: Security Search Intensifies After Vice Principal’s Death

Moore, in a post on X, had earlier asked his followers to pray for the abducted girls and the vice principal who was killed during the attack. He stated: “Please join me in praying for the 25 girls who have been kidnapped and for the repose of the soul of their vice principal who was killed.” He further claimed: “While we don’t have all the details on this horrific attack, we know that the attack occurred in a Christian enclave in Northern Nigeria. The Nigerian government must do more to end the rampant violence.”

The attack on the Kebbi school occurred on Monday morning and resulted in the death of the vice principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, who was reportedly killed while attempting to prevent the abductors from taking the girls. Security authorities confirmed that a combined tactical team has been deployed to comb the surrounding forest areas in an effort to rescue the victims.

President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack and extended condolences to the affected families. In response to the incident, he postponed his scheduled trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, where he was expected to attend the 20th G20 Summit of leaders and the 7th AU-EU Summit. He further instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State and meet with families and community members affected by the tragedy on his behalf.