iDeemlawfulThe Chairman of Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Hussaini Aliyu, has published the names of the 25 abducted schoolgirls in the state, dismissing suggestions that they are all Christians.
On Monday, armed men invaded Government Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing a staff member and kidnapping no fewer than 25 students.
One of the girls reportedly escaped, while police authorities confirmed that a joint tactical squad has been deployed to search the forest and work toward the students’ rescue.
In the aftermath of the attack, many Nigerians have renewed calls for swift rescue efforts and improved security for communities in the North.
However, the discussion shifted internationally after Riley Moore, a U.S. lawmaker representing West Virginia’s 2nd District in Congress, described the location of the attack as a “Christian enclave”.
Moore wrote on his X page on Tuesday: “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. 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.”
Moore’s statement reflects a broader narrative relating to Christian persecution in northern Nigeria, which has shaped President Donald Trump’s views on terror incidents in the region.
However, as reported by Channels TV, Danko-Wasagu LG Chairman, Hussaini Aliyu, rejected the comment attributed to U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore, stating that the abduction of the Maga schoolgirls did not occur in a Christian enclave.
Aliyu emphasized that all the kidnapped schoolgirls are Muslims, describing the remark as inaccurate and capable of inflaming religious tensions at a time when authorities are working to secure their release.
He noted that the Zuru Emirate, under which the Maga community falls, is known for longstanding peaceful coexistence and has not experienced religious conflict.
He therefore appealed to the U.S. legislator to avoid sharing unverified claims that could damage Nigeria’s image or strain national harmony.
Here is the full list of 25 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State
Senior Secondary School 2A
- Fatima Sani Zimri
- Hafsat Ibrahim
- Nana Firdausi Jibril
- Masauda Yakubu Romo
Senior Secondary School 2B
5. Hauwa Saleh
6. Hauwa’u 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
22. Khadija Nazifi
23. Hauwa’u Iliyasu
24. Hauwa’u Lawali
25. Ummu Kulsum Abdulkarim
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who denounced the attack and condoled with affected families, has postponed his planned visits to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, where he was scheduled to attend the 20th G20 Summit of Leaders and the 7th AU-EU Summit.
He also instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to Kebbi State and meet with the affected families on his behalf.
