By: John Bassey, Kebbi.

The Kebbi State Government, on Wednesday, confirmed that none of the 24 freed Maga schoolgirls suffered any form of sexual abuse while in captivity.

Dr Halima Bande, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in the state disclosed this during the formal handing over of the freed girls to their parents at Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

It will be recalled that suspected bandits launched an early morning attack on Monday, Nov 17, on Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, and abducted 24 schoolgirls.

The commissioner said: “Today, we are in a happy mood, as we hand over these freed girls to their parents. We give all glory to our Creator, who made it possible for our leaders to actualise the rescue of these girls.

“About eight days ago we were thrown into trauma, because these girls were nowhere to be found.

“Our leader, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State and the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria joined forces, which culminated in the rescue of these girls.

“Our greatest joy is that the medical report has shown that all of the girls are confirmed to be safe and free from any form of sexual abuse.”

She appreciated all other stakeholders, including parents, religious leaders, traditional institutions, and all other individuals who contributed to the success of the rescue mission.

During the handing over of the 24 schoolgirls to their parents, Gov. Nasir Idris thanked God Almighty for the successful and unharmed rescue of the girls.

“I am the happiest person because these girls were safely rescued unharmed.

“This is a happy day that we have long awaited, especially with what happened to our children at Maga school,” he said.

The governor recalled that Mr President had directed the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Minister of State Defense, and all security chiefs to coordinate efforts toward the successful rescue of the abducted children.

“These directive has no doubt yielded a positive result. We are here today celebrating an all-encompassing success, we are very grateful to Mr President,” he said.

The Governor advised the freed girls not to be discouraged in their pursuit of a Western education, but to strive to become knowledgeable.

The governor advised the people to do everything possible to ensure that the state remains peaceful noting that no development can be achieved in an atmosphere of rancor, acrimony, or breach of peace

Idris described the harmonious relationship between the three former governors of the state and the present administration as a sign of progress and togetherness

He noted that such unity is rare in many states of the federation, saying, “You can see all the three former governors of Kebbi and the present governor sitting together to achieve a common goal.”

The governor assured that security arrangements had been made to escort the rescued schoolgirls and their parents back to their towns and villages.

Responding on behalf of the parents, Malam Ibrahim Haruna-Maga, supported by two other parents, Malam Iliyasu Birnin-Tudu and Malam Umaru Garba, expressed appreciation to both the federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, for making the rescue possible.

“We pray Almighty Allah will reward all those who contributed to the success of the rescue mission.

“Governor Nasir Idris has shown that he is a father to all of us, we are happy. To Mr President, we are very grateful for his efforts, only God Almighty will reward all of you,” he said.