Truth On Kebbi Kidnapping: LG Chairman Exposes Misinformation, Releases Victims’ Names

According to Ireporter Online, the Chairman of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area in Kebbi State, Hussaini Aliyu, has refuted claims by U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore that the recently abducted students from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, were taken from a Christian community. Aliyu described the assertion as false and misleading, warning that such statements could spark unnecessary religious tensions while security agencies focus on rescuing the students.

He clarified that all 25 abducted girls are Muslims and urged the American lawmaker to avoid making unverifiable statements that could inflame ethnic or religious divisions in Nigeria. Aliyu emphasized that attention should remain on ensuring the safe return of the students rather than spreading narratives that distort facts.

Highlighting the peaceful history of the Zuru Emirate, under which the Maga community falls, the chairman said the area has never experienced religious crises or sectarian conflicts. He added that framing the abduction along religious lines is inaccurate and unfairly portrays Nigeria negatively.

Aliyu also released the full list of abducted students:

Senior Secondary School 2A: Fatima Sani Zimri, Hafsat Ibrahim, Nana Firdausi Jibril, Masauda Yakubu Romo
Senior Secondary School 2B: Hauwa Saleh, Hauwau Umar Imam
Senior Secondary School 3A & 3B: Salima Garba Umar, Salima Sani Zimri, Amina G. Umar, Rashida Muhammad Dingu, Saliha Umar, Aisha Usman, Jamila Iliyasu, Maryam Illiyasu, Najaatu Abdullahi, Zainab Kolo
Junior Secondary School 3A: Surraya Tukur, Hafsat Umar Yalmo, Maryam Usman, Amina Illiyasu, Ikilima Suleman
Junior Secondary School 2: Khadija Nazifi, Hauwa’u Iliyasu, Hauwa’u Lawali, Ummu Kulsum Abdulkarim

Riley Moore had claimed on that the attack took place in a Christian enclave in Northern Nigeria, though he admitted he lacked full details. He called for prayers for the kidnapped girls and for the vice principal who was killed, urging the Nigerian government to take stronger action against the surge in violence.