Maga girls abductions: Danko-Wasagu refutes U.S. lawmaker’s claim, confirms ‘all’ victims Muslim
The Chairman of Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area in Kebbi State-Nigeria, Hussaini Aliyu, has firmly dismissed a widely circulated claim by U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore suggesting that the recent abduction of Maga schoolgirls occurred in a Christian community. Aliyu described the assertion as dangerous misinformation with the potential to inflame religious tensions in an already fragile security climate.
Speaking to reporters, Aliyu stressed that every one of the abducted students is Muslim, and that the Zuru Emirate—under which the Maga community falls—has never in its history recorded religious conflict.
“Such statements are not only false but reckless,” he said. “They misrepresent our community, undermine national unity, and distract from the urgent task of rescuing the girls. We urge the congressman to verify facts before making public claims that portray Nigeria in a distorted light.”
The chairman emphasized that government forces are working diligently to locate and retrieve the abducted students, and cautioned against narratives that could complicate security efforts or create unnecessary sectarian suspicion.
To counter the misinformation, he released the verified names of the 25 abducted girls, spanning multiple class levels across Senior and Junior Secondary School categories. The full list confirms their identities and Muslim backgrounds, reinforcing the chairman’s rebuttal.
Aliyu also highlighted the longstanding religious harmony within the Zuru Emirate, noting that both Muslims and Christians have lived and worshiped side by side for generations without conflict. “Our strength lies in our unity,” he said, “and no external narrative should be allowed to fracture that.”
Local residents echoed the chairman’s concerns, expressing fears that foreign political rhetoric—if unchecked—might fuel division in communities that have historically maintained peaceful coexistence.
Meanwhile, security agencies continue coordinated search operations across the region. The Kebbi State government has assured parents of its commitment to rescuing the girls and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Authorities also released the official names of all 25 abducted schoolgirls to counter false narratives and ensure clarity.
List of Abducted Maga School Girls
Senior Secondary School 2A
1. Fatima Sani Zimri
2. Hafsat Ibrahim
3. Nana Firdausi Jibril
4. Masauda Yakubu Romo
Senior Secondary School 2B
5. Hauwa Saleh
6. Hauwa’u Umar Imam
Senior Secondary School 3A & 3B
7. Salima Garba Umar
8. Salima Sani Zimri
9. Amina G. Umar
10. Rashida Muhammad Dingu
11. Saliha Umar
12. Aisha Usman
13. Jamila Iliyasu
14. Maryam Illiyasu
15. Najaatu Abdullahi
16. Zainab Kolo
Junior Secondary School 3A
17. Surraya Tukur
18. Hafsat Umar Yalmo
19. Maryam Usman
20. Amina Illiyasu
21. Ikilima Suleman
Junior Secondary School
22. Khadija Nazifi
23. Hauwa’u Iliyasu
24. Hauwa’u Lawali
25. Ummu Kulsum Abdulkarim
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