Prayers Rise Amid Fear: Kebbi Government Begs Nation to Intercede as 24 Maga Schoolgirls Remain in Captivity

The atmosphere in Kebbi State has grown increasingly tense as the government intensifies its appeal for united prayers following the abduction of 24 female students from the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga. Days after the traumatic incident, hope and fear now intermingle in the hearts of families and citizens across the region, with the government acknowledging that the situation has reached a point where spiritual intervention is desperately needed. The call, made by the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Sani Aliyu, underscores the severity of the crisis and the emotional weight it has placed on the state.

Aliyu’s message, which resonated across mosques, churches, and community gatherings, urged religious leaders, clerics, Imams, pastors, scholars, and faithful individuals—irrespective of denomination—to devote their voices and hearts to prayers for the safe return of the young girls. His statement came as concerns continue to grow about the well-being of the children, whose sudden disappearance has once again rekindled painful memories of past mass school abductions across northern Nigeria. The Commissioner stressed that while security agencies continue to do their part, there are challenges so overwhelming that only divine intervention can provide the breakthrough needed.

The abduction has sent shockwaves throughout Kebbi State, a region that has traditionally prided itself on relative peace compared to neighboring states grappling with prolonged insecurity. Parents of the abducted children are living through a nightmare, unable to eat or sleep, clinging to every piece of information they can gather while praying that their daughters remain unharmed. The haunting silence left behind by the captors and the uncertainty surrounding the girls’ whereabouts have added emotional strain to families and communities who feel increasingly helpless. For many, the government’s call for prayers is both a plea and a reminder that the struggle is far from over.

Security operatives have reportedly intensified search-and-rescue operations, combing through known hideouts and forest routes often used by bandits in the region. Yet, despite the ongoing efforts, there have been no official reports of breakthroughs. The government acknowledges the complexity of the terrain, the sophistication of the criminals involved, and the layered challenges that have hindered quick rescue operations in past incidents. These realities have compelled state leaders to rally citizens around faith—a tool that has historically provided solace and unity in moments of national distress.

Across Kebbi, communities have begun organizing special prayer sessions. Mosques are holding Tahajjud prayers deep into the night, churches have initiated intercessory vigils, and local gatherings are offering supplications for divine mercy and protection. The emotional intensity in these gatherings reflects the collective pain felt across the state and the fervent desire for a miracle. Men, women, and even children are offering heartfelt prayers, with many expressing frustration over the repeated targeting of schoolchildren by violent groups who use abductions as bargaining tools.

The situation has also triggered renewed conversations about the state of security in Nigeria, particularly in northern regions where school abductions have become a recurring tragedy. Many citizens have recalled the abductions in Chibok, Dapchi, Kankara, and Jangebe, expressing fears that the Maga incident could become another prolonged saga if swift action is not taken. Critics argue that while calls for prayers are commendable, more concrete measures must be taken to prevent such attacks from happening in the first place. They believe the government must complement spiritual appeals with stronger strategic responses, improved intelligence gathering, and better protection for vulnerable communities.

However, supporters of the government’s appeal insist that prayer remains a powerful tool, especially in moments where human limitations become apparent. According to Commissioner Aliyu, the state recognizes the importance of security agencies, logistics, and operational planning, but equally understands that in times of intense crisis, faith can provide hope, strength, and unexpected breakthroughs. His assurance that the government is doing everything within its capacity has offered some comfort, but the anxiety among the parents remains palpable.

One father of a missing student, speaking through tears, said he visits the mosque several times a day, praying for the return of his daughter. He described the pain as indescribable—an emotional torment that only those who have experienced such loss can truly understand. A mother, her voice trembling, said she has not slept since the incident, and every passing hour feels like a year. These stories illustrate the human cost behind the headlines—the lives disrupted, the dreams paused, and the innocence stolen.

In several communities, women’s groups have begun reciting prayers collectively, some holding pictures of the abducted schoolgirls as they invoke divine protection. Youth groups have also joined in, using social media to mobilize prayer chains and spread awareness about the ongoing crisis. Community leaders say the unity and empathy displayed across ethnic and religious lines reflect the deep cultural importance placed on children in Nigerian society.

The abduction has put pressure on the state government to reassure citizens that it has learned from past incidents and is working proactively to prevent further tragedies. While the details of the ongoing rescue operations remain confidential for strategic reasons, the government has promised to keep the public updated and is urging citizens to avoid misinformation that could complicate efforts.

As prayers continue to rise across the state and beyond, the mood remains a mixture of fear, hope, and resilience. The relentless spirit of Nigerian communities—often tested but never fully broken—has once again emerged, proving that in times of darkness, collective faith can serve as a source of strength. The government’s appeal has now evolved into a nationwide plea, as citizens across the country join in praying for the safe and swift return of the 24 Maga schoolgirls.

In the days ahead, all eyes will remain on Kebbi State. Families will continue to cry out to God, security forces will continue to push deeper into dangerous territories, and the nation will continue to hold its breath. For now, the hope is simple yet profound: that the girls will be found alive, unharmed, and reunited with the loved ones who wait for them with breaking hearts. The call for prayers echoes loudly across Nigeria—a reminder that even in the face of fear, unity and faith remain powerful forces.