The Chairman of Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area in Kebbi State, Hussaini Aliyu, has published the full list of 25 schoolgirls abducted during Monday’s attack on Government Secondary School, Maga — while firmly dismissing claims that the victims were Christian students.
Attack and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Gunmen stormed the school in the early hours, killing a teacher and abducting dozens of students. One girl has since escaped. Security agencies say a combined tactical unit is combing surrounding forests in search of the remaining captives.
The incident has intensified public pressure on the federal government over worsening insecurity in northern communities.
Foreign Commentary Sparks Controversy
The narrative surrounding the abduction shifted after U.S. Congressman Riley Moore (West Virginia) described the area as a “Christian enclave,” a statement that echoed long-standing international claims of systematic persecution of Christians in northern Nigeria.
Moore wrote on X:
“Please join me in praying for the 25 girls who have been kidnapped and for the repose of the soul of their vice principal… We know that the attack occurred in a Christian enclave in Northern Nigeria. The Nigerian government must do more to end the rampant violence.”
His remarks drew immediate scrutiny in Nigeria, where officials warned that such comments — if inaccurate — could inflame religious tensions.
LG Chairman: ‘All the Abducted Girls Are Muslims’
Citing a report by Channels TV, Chairman Aliyu rejected Moore’s characterization as “incorrect and dangerous.” He clarified that every abducted student is Muslim, and urged foreign commentators to avoid unverified claims that could damage Nigeria’s reputation or provoke sectarian suspicion.
Aliyu stressed that Maga community, under the Zuru Emirate, has a long history of peaceful coexistence and has never recorded religious conflict.
Names of the 25 Abducted Schoolgirls
SS2A
- Fatima Sani Zimri
- Hafsat Ibrahim
- Nana Firdausi Jibril
- Masauda Yakubu Romo
SS2B
5. Hauwa Saleh
6. Hauwa’u Umar Imam
SS3A / SS3B
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
JSS3A
17. Surraya Tukur
18. Hafsat Umar Yalmo
19. Maryam Usman
20. Amina Illiyasu
21. Ikilima Suleman
JSS3 (Unspecified Arm)
22. Khadija Nazifi
23. Hauwa’u Iliyasu
24. Hauwa’u Lawali
25. Ummu Kulsum Abdulkarim
Presidential Reaction
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the attack and extended condolences to affected families, while directing security agencies to intensify search-and-rescue operations.
