Thursday, November 20, 2025 - Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for the “immediate and unconditional release” of the 25 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, describing the attack as a threat to the safety and future of Nigerian children.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim made the demand on Wednesday in Abuja
during the 7th National Children’s Parliament and the unveiling of The State of
the Nigerian Girl Child Report II (2025), held to mark Universal Children’s
Day.
Speaking through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Maryam
Keshinro, the minister urged the abductors to release the girls, while
expressing confidence in the ability of Nigeria’s security forces to secure
their safe return.
“In recent days, 25 schoolgirls were abducted in Kebbi
State, an attack on their safety, dignity, and future. I demand their immediate
and unconditional release, and I appeal to the abductors to return them
safely,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also highlighted progress in girls’
education, noting a decline in child marriage from 44 percent to 28.6 percent,
but stressed that persistent inequalities remain.
She cited UNICEF data showing that Nigeria is home to nearly
25 million child brides, with northern states such as Bauchi, Jigawa, and
Zamfara recording some of the highest prevalence rates.
The minister said the government has developed a fully
funded, time-bound Costed National Action Plan to end child, early, and forced
marriage, as well as guidelines on alternative care for children and Nigeria’s
first National Boy-Child Policy, emphasizing an inclusive approach to
protecting the rights of all children.
At the event, Duncan Harvey, Country Director of Save the
Children International, commended the progress in reducing child marriage while
calling for continued investment in girls’ education, health, and rights.
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