Brave Escape: Two Girls Free Themselves from Kidnappers in Nigeria

Wed Nov 19 2025 11:35:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a heart-stopping turn of events, two girls managed to escape after being kidnapped from their boarding school in Kebbi state, Nigeria. Their courage shines a light on the ongoing security crisis affecting schools across the region.

Two schoolgirls have escaped after being abducted alongside at least 25 other children from their boarding school in Kebbi state, Nigeria. While running away from their captors, the girls found safety across farmland. This incident highlights the persistent security issues plaguing Nigerian schools, where armed groups often strike for ransom. Efforts are underway by military and police to rescue the remaining captives.

Two girls, who were among at least 25 children and a teacher kidnapped from their boarding school in north-western Nigeria's Kebbi state on Monday, have managed to escape, a local official told the BBC.

The pair ran away as their armed captors were leading them into the bushes and got away across farmland. Hussaini Aliyu of Danko Wasagu council said the girls were 'back and safe', but one of them needed medical treatment as she had hurt her leg while fleeing.

The assault left two members of staff dead - a teacher was killed while trying to protect the girls and a security guard later died in hospital from gunshot wounds.

A team of soldiers, police, and volunteers are combing forested areas in an attempt to rescue the captives seized by the gunmen. 'You must continue day and night fighting. We must find these children,' Maj Gen Waidi Shaibu, Nigeria's army chief of staff, told troops sent to Kebbi state.

Over the past decade, schools in northern Nigeria have become frequent targets for armed groups, who often carry out abductions to seek ransom payments or leverage deals with the government. Police say the gunmen, described locally as 'bandits', invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town at about 04:00 (03:00 GMT) on Monday.

Parents face an agonising wait. One inconsolable father, whose daughter is still being held captive, told BBC Hausa that his family had been crying non-stop.

'It's hard to go back home and look at their faces,' he said. He explained that one of his daughters hid from the attackers, while the other was taken captive.

The attack highlights the persistent security crisis plaguing the region, leaving families in a state of fear. Nigeria's central government says it is 'deeply concerned' about the abductions and is working urgently to rescue the girls.