President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to Kebbi State to console families of schoolgirls abducted from a boarding school in Maga. The President assured that security agencies were working to secure the children’s safe and prompt release.
In a statement issued Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also extended condolences to the Nigerian military following the deaths of Brigadier General Musa Uba and several soldiers during clashes with insurgents in Borno State.
The President disclosed that he had been fully briefed on both incidents, expressing sorrow over the school attack, which he noted occurred despite intelligence warnings of a possible bandit strike. He commended Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris for efforts made to prevent the abduction.
Describing the kidnapping as a painful setback, Tinubu urged communities in vulnerable areas to strengthen cooperation with security operatives. “As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of our soldiers and officers on active duty. May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other fallen heroes,” he said.
Tinubu further lamented the disruption of education caused by the assault on schoolchildren, directing security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the girls. He emphasized that citizen collaboration is vital to dismantling criminal networks and preventing future attacks.
“Our security forces cannot succeed in protecting us if the people don’t cooperate and share information that will help them keep our communities safe,” he stated, urging community leaders and residents in conflict-prone regions to provide intelligence support.
Vice President Shettima is scheduled to arrive in Kebbi on Wednesday to meet state officials, reassure affected parents, and deliver the President’s message of solidarity and commitment.
