Girl Escapes as Authorities Launch Massive Search for 24 Missing Nigerian Students

A schoolgirl who was abducted with 24 others from a dormitory in northwestern Nigeria has escaped and is safe, the school's principal told The Associated Press on Tuesday, as hunters joined security forces in the search for the missing students in forests close to the school. According to local police, the girls were kidnapped before dawn on Monday, when gunmen attacked the dorm at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi state's Maga town. The attackers scaled the fence to enter the school premises and exchanged gunfire with police officers before seizing the girls and killing a staff member. No group has claimed responsibility for taking the girls. The principal of the school, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed relief at the escape of one of the students. "We are grateful that one of our students has been able to escape and is safe," the principal said. "We are working closely with the authorities to ensure the safe return of the remaining students." The principal also praised the efforts of the security forces and hunters who are searching for the missing students. The attack on the school has sparked widespread concern in Nigeria, where there have been several high-profile kidnappings in recent years. In 2014, the Boko Haram militant group abducted over 270 schoolgirls from Chibok, a town in northeastern Nigeria. The incident drew international attention and led to the BringBackOurGirls campaign. The Nigerian government has vowed to do everything in its power to rescue the missing students. "We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to rescue the girls and bring the perpetrators to justice," said a government spokesperson. The spokesperson also praised the efforts of the security forces and hunters who are searching for the missing students. The search for the missing students is ongoing, with security forces and hunters combing the forests close to the school. The Nigerian military has deployed troops to the area, and the government has promised to provide support to the families of the missing students. As the search continues, the Nigerian government and international community are calling for the safe return of the missing students.