Birnin Yauri Abduction Survivors Excel in 2025 JAMB UTME After Two Years in Captivity

Five former students of Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Birnin Yauri, who were abducted by bandits in Kebbi State in 2021, have recorded remarkable scores in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The girls Hafsat Murtala, Faiza Ahmed, Esther Sunday, Rebecca James, and Neempere Daniel were among 11 students held in captivity for nearly two years following the June 2021 raid that saw 96 students and eight staff members kidnapped.

Upon their release in 2023 after the payment of a N100 million ransom, the Kebbi State Government placed the girls in private schools for security and rehabilitation purposes, shielding them from public attention.

Their JAMB 2025 results, which were recently made public, revealed their academic achievements:

• Hafsat Murtala: 225

• Faiza Ahmed: 225

• Rebecca James: 225

• Esther Sunday: 217

• Neempere Daniel: 117

Neempere, who faced severe trauma during captivity, was nonetheless able to participate in the examination.

A government official confirmed that the girls were initially sponsored by former Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, with Governor Nasir Idris continuing the support, including providing transportation, security, and welfare.

"The outcome of government support is evident in their JAMB results," the official noted.

For security reasons, the girls continue to attend private schools outside Kebbi State, with the government arranging their transportation during school breaks.

Their success has triggered emotional reactions from their families and guardians, many of whom endured years of anguish and loss.

Salim Kaoje, Chairman of the Parents' Forum, remarked:

"Some parents died during the long wait for their daughters. Today, those children are making us proud."

James Nwasolu-Abisi, father of Rebecca James, expressed relief and joy:

"We never thought they would bounce back after what they went through. But here they are, shining."

Munirat Bala, mother of Faiza Ahmed, who scored 225, appealed for continued support:

"She is my only daughter. I want the government to support them up to university level."

Similarly, Mrs. Tafia Daniel Alkali, whose daughter Neempere scored 117, shared:

"We didn’t expect this after everything, but we thank God and the government. My husband passed away just two weeks after our daughter’s release."