Kebbi Schoolgirls’ Abduction: LG Chairman Refutes Christian-Targeted Attack Claim

The Chairman of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area in Kebbi State, Hussaini Aliyu, has dismissed claims by U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore suggesting that the abduction of 25 students from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, was a targeted attack on Christians.

Aliyu clarified that all the abducted schoolgirls are Muslims and warned that such unverified claims could inflame religious tensions at a sensitive time. He emphasized that the Zuru Emirate—under which the Maga community falls—has a long-standing history of religious harmony and has never experienced sectarian conflict.

The LG chairman accused the U.S. politician of making remarks that “portray Nigeria in a negative light,” urging foreign commentators to verify information before making public statements capable of deepening divisions.

To further dispel misinformation, Aliyu released the full names of the abducted girls across senior and junior classes:

SS2A

1. Fatima Sani Zimri
2. Hafsat Ibrahim
3. Nana Firdausi Jibril
4. Masauda Yakubu Romo

SS2B

1. Hauwa Saleh
2. Hauwau Umar Imam

SS3A & SS3B

1. Salima Garba Umar
2. Salima Sani Zimri
3. Amina G. Umar
4. Rashida Muhammad Dingu
5. Saliha Umar
6. Aisha Usman
7. Jamila Iliyasu
8. Maryam Illiyasu
9. Najaatu Abdullahi
10. Zainab Kolo

JSS3A

1. Surraya Tukur
2. Hafsat Umar Yalmo
3. Maryam Usman
4. Amina Illiyasu
5. Ikilima Suleman

JSS2

1. Khadija Nazifi
2. Hauwa’u Iliyasu
3. Hauwa’u Lawali
4. Ummu Kulsum Abdulkarim

Moore, in a post on X, had urged prayers for the victims but also claimed, without evidence, that the attack occurred in a “Christian enclave in Northern Nigeria.” He acknowledged that he did not have full details of the incident.

The attack, carried out on Monday morning, also claimed the life of Vice Principal Malam Hassan Makuku, who was reportedly shot while attempting to protect the girls. Security agencies say a tactical team has been deployed to the surrounding forest to rescue the students.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the attack and postponed his scheduled trips to the G20 Summit in Johannesburg and the AU-EU Summit in Luanda to receive security briefings. He also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State on his behalf to interface with families and local authorities.