Schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School in Zamfara State have been released. This was disclosed by the governor of the state, Dr. Bello Matawalle, in an early morning tweet.

He tweeted: Alhamdulillah! It gladdens my heart to announce the release of the abducted students of GGSS Jangebe from captivity. This follows the scaling of several hurdles laid against our efforts. I enjoin all well-meaning Nigerians to rejoice with us as our daughters are now safe.”

“They have just arrived in the Government House and are in good health.”

Hundreds of girls wearing hijabs were seen gathered at the government premises.

Police initially said 317 girls were abducted in the raid by hundreds of gunmen but Matawalle said the “total number of female students abducted” was 279.

“We thank Allah they are all now with us.

Some of the abducted schoolgirls had reportedly escaped from their abductors while trekking along the forest.

A source from Jangebe on Friday evening, February 26, said the girls have returned home, adding that the escaped students revealed more had also escaped and are expected back soon.

Recall that there was speculation about their release at the weekend, but the Zamfara State Government dismissed the rumour as fake news.