Vice President Kashim Shettima will today lead a delegation to Kebbi State to convey the Federal Government’s solidarity and deliver a message of reassurance to the families of abducted pupils.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reiterated his directive to security agencies to move swiftly to rescue the schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
He assured Nigerians that the children would be brought home safely.
In a statement yesterday by his spokesman Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said he had received full briefings from military authorities regarding both the abduction and the separate loss of soldiers in Borno State.
The statement reads: “As Commander-in-Chief, I am depressed by the tragic death of our officers on active duty.
“May God comfort the families of Brigadier-General Musa Uba and other fallen heroes,” he said.
He commended Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris for his efforts to prevent the attack despite prior intelligence warning of bandit movement in the area.
The President condemned the attack, describing it as a cruel disruption of the education of innocent girls.
He urged communities in vulnerable regions to strengthen intelligence-sharing with security agencies.
“Our forces cannot succeed without the cooperation of the people. Timely information is crucial,” he said.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing schools nationwide.
Condemnation trailed the killing of the school’s vice principal and the abduction of 25 pupils.
Legislators, the First Lady, governors, UNICEF and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) all demanded urgent action to halt what they described as the worsening attacks on schools and security personnel.
During an operational visit to Kebbi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, ordered troops of Operation Fasin Yamma to intensify search-and-rescue efforts.
“We must find these children. Act decisively on all intelligence. Success is not optional,” he told field commanders.
He met with local vigilantes and hunters, urging closer collaboration based on their knowledge of the terrain.
