The Kebbi State Government has urged residents across all faiths to intensify prayers for the rescue of 24 schoolgirls still held by terrorists, saying the scale of insecurity in the state has gone beyond what human effort alone can resolve.

The call follows the November 17 attack on Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, where armed men abducted 26 students, killed the school’s Vice Principal, and left the Principal with gunshot injuries. Two of the girls later escaped, while security forces continue the search for the remaining victims.

Governor Nasir Idris has expressed anger over the incident, questioning why military personnel withdrew from the school despite receiving intelligence warnings. He revealed that the students were taken less than an hour after troops pulled out, demanding a full military investigation into who authorised the withdrawal.

During a solidarity visit by Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero, the governor reiterated that the state is working closely with security agencies to secure the girls’ release. His spokesperson, Ahmed Idris, confirmed that neither the government nor the victims’ families have been contacted for ransom.

As security operations continue, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Sani Aliyu, called for sustained prayers from both Muslim and Christian communities, insisting that the situation requires spiritual support alongside ongoing rescue efforts. He encouraged Islamic clerics to observe continuous Qunūt and urged Christian leaders to dedicate prayer moments during services.

Aliyu also appealed to residents to remain vigilant, avoid aiding criminal networks, and share useful information with authorities as the state pushes for the safe return of the abducted students.