The 24 kidnapped school girls from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga in Kebbi state have finally regained their freedom, but the news is yet to sit well with many Nigerians.
The scepticism is now growing after a video circulating on social media has cast fresh doubt on official claims that no deal was struck with bandits before the release of the girls.
This is after the minister of state for defence, Bello Matawalle insisted that no ransom was paid and the girls were released.
In a post on X Matawalle wrote, “Our tactical team has successfully rescued the abducted students of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State. This mission was carried out in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to ensure their safe return. I commend our security and intelligence forces for their swift response, dedication and professionalism.”
However, a video footage, posted by @AM_Saleeem on X, shows armed bandits speaking with the schoolgirls shortly before their release, boasting that the authorities were forced to negotiate rather than attempt a forceful rescue.
The girls were freed on Tuesday, with Governor Nasir Idris insisting publicly that “no Kobo was paid” and that security agencies rescued them “unhurt”.
In the video, one of the kidnappers is heard questioning the girls about military aircraft that hovered over the forest during their captivity.
“How many jets passed above you?” he asked.
The students replied, “Uncountable.”
The bandit then boasted that despite the military’s presence, authorities were unable to rescue them by force.
Another kidnapper interrogated the girls about their treatment in captivity, “Did we leave you hungry?”
“No,” they replied.
“Were you assaulted?”
“No,” they answered again.
A different member of the gang added, “We will take you back home safe to your parents. We are doing this based on peace deals.”
The clip ends with a bandit declaring, “We are letting you go after negotiations. Your government cannot rescue you with might. Your government has failed.”
The girls, kidnapped when gunmen invaded their school and murdered the vice-principal, were later seen smiling inside a bus as officials prepared to transport them to Birnin Kebbi, from where they will be reunited with their parents.
Authorities say the formal handover is expected today after a medical examination (Wednesday).
Nigerians have reacted to the news with many questioning the true nature of the rescue. The questions on their lips are: Who are their abductors? How was their freedom regained? How many arrests were made?
Popular musician, Falz the bad guy has questioned the rescue of the girls with no arrest.
One Ambali commented that: “It is not enough to tell the public you rescued the abductees without at least providing details about what transpired and how to make perpetrators pay for their heinous crimes.”
