By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The #BringBackOurGirls hashtag has resurfaced in Nigeria, more than a decade after it went viral following the abduction of an unspecified number of female students from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The girls were abducted after gunmen attacked the school in the early hours of Monday, November 17, killing a school official and injuring a guard in the process.
In several posts across various social media platforms, Nigerians demanded the rescue of the abducted school girls, urging that it should not go the way of the Chibok girls kidnapped in 2014, some of whom have yet to be rescued.
@mickoly tweeted, “Should we start #Bringbackourgirls Part 2? Bola Tinubu has failed in the area of security and should resign now. Bola Tinubu’s nonchalant attitude towards insecurity is sickening. A sovereign nation that fails to protect the lives of her citizens.”
@fisayoade_ wrote, “Can’t stop thinking about the abduction of the Kebbi school girls. Living and being Nigerian is terrifying. I don’t want to even think about the abuse these girls are going through. #FreeKebbigirls #Bringbackourgirls.”
Also, @JemimaAransiola said, “God… Why are we back here again? What kind of country is this? #BringBackOurGirls.”
Some Nigerians also queried the safety of schools in the country, while urging those who spearheaded the #BringBackOurGirls campaign in 2014 to do the same now and not politicise the situation.
The posts were accompanied by photographs of President Bola Tinubu, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and other political figures, holding placards with #BringBackOurGirls emblazoned on them to demand the same reaction towards the Kebbi schoolgirls’ abduction.
@TolaAdeola tweeted, “Where are the #BringBackOurGirls advocacy groups? Why have you all gone mute? When Goodluck Jonathan was in office, all of you were carrying placards and chasing clout. Come out with your placards.”
@missolabisi1 wrote, “25 girls were today kidnapped from their school in Kebbi. Mr, President @officialABAT, please, #BringBackOurGirls.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has vowed to ensure the safe and swift rescue of the abducted female students.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement issued via his verified X handle on Monday, November 17, titled ‘FG vows swift rescue of abducted Kebbi schoolgirls, reaffirms duty to protect citizens.’
The minister conveyed the government’s concern for the victims, saying the president shares in their pain and is committed to bringing the girls home safely.
He said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated that protecting every Nigerian, especially schoolchildren, remains a solemn responsibility of the State,” the statement read.
Idris further condemned the attack, describing it as “reprehensible,” and stressed that security and intelligence agencies have been given clear directives to locate and rescue the abducted students..
He also stated that the government is making efforts to prevent future attacks, stressing that strengthening internal security remains a top priority for the Federal Government.
