Foundation Demands Rescue Of Abducted Schoolgirls In Kebbi, Seeks Safe Schools

The Peace and Truth Healing Foundation (PTHF) has called for urgent and coordinated action following the kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State on Monday.

In a statement made available to LEADERSHIP, Mariyamu Gana-Aguele, Executive Director of PTHF and a peace and conflict resolution practitioner, described the incident as a direct assault on the rights of Nigerian children and the stability of their communities.

“This tragedy is another painful reminder of the recurring failures in protecting our schools,” Gana-Aguele said. “Our hearts are with the families. Rescue alone is not enough. Nigeria needs an approach that focuses on recovery, healing, and addressing the deeper issues that keep fueling insecurity.”

PTHF emphasized that the girls must remain at the center of the national response. According to the Foundation, the trauma of abduction derails education, fractures confidence, and leaves survivors with long-term emotional wounds if not properly supported.

The organization announced that it is prepared to deploy mental health and psychosocial support teams immediately after the girls are rescued. PTHF’s work in conflict-affected communities includes trauma counseling, community dialogue, and interventions that tackle poverty and social pressures that push young people toward armed groups.

Gana-Aguele added that strong collaboration between government and civil society is overdue.

“We are calling on the government and security agencies not only to secure the safe return of the Maga girls, but to work with organizations like PTHF to strengthen peacebuilding and healing mechanisms,” she said. “This cycle of attacks will continue unless we fix the root causes and provide real support to survivors and their communities.”

The Foundation said crisis in Kebbi—where schools remain prime targets for ransom attacks—shows how urgent it is to dismantle criminal networks and expand long-term support systems for children, families, and communities struggling with the aftermath of violence.