President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound distress over the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, ordering an immediate and swift response to secure their release.
In a show of urgent concern, the President has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead a delegation to Kebbi State on Wednesday to sympathise with the state government and the affected families, while assuring them of the government’s total commitment to the quick return of the students.
The abduction, which occurred on Monday when bandits attacked the school, also resulted in the tragic killing of the school’s Vice-Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, as reported by Tribune Online.
President Laments Disruption of Education
In a statement released on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), President Tinubu was quoted as being “depressed” by the incident, lamenting that “heartless terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls.”
The President noted that he had been fully briefed by military authorities on the incident and commended Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris for efforts made to avert the kidnapping, despite intelligence warnings of a possible strike by the bandits.
“I am also depressed that heartless terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls. I have directed the security agencies to act swiftly and bring the girls back to Kebbi State,” the President stated.
While decrying the security breach, President Tinubu used the opportunity to make an urgent appeal to communities nationwide, particularly in volatile areas, to actively cooperate with security forces by sharing intelligence.
“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 stressed, urging community leaders and compatriots in operational theatres to share useful information as their cooperation is “crucial in our fight against these security challenges.”
Condolence to Military Over Borno Attack
In a related expression of grief, the Commander-in-Chief also extended his heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian military following the death of gallant soldiers and officers, including Brigadier General Musa Uba, who paid the ultimate price while fighting insurgents in Borno State.
“As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am depressed with 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.
