President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State on Wednesday to commiserate with the state government and reassure parents of the kidnapped schoolgirls that the Federal Government is working to ensure their immediate rescue.
The President also extended condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces following the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba and several soldiers who were killed during counterinsurgency operations in Borno State.
According to a statement from the Presidency, President Tinubu, who has been fully briefed by military authorities on both the abduction in Kebbi and the attack in Borno, expressed deep sadness over the incidents.
He commended Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris for efforts made to avert the schoolgirls’ kidnapping, despite earlier intelligence warnings of a likely bandit strike.
Condemning the security breach that led to the abduction of students from the Government Secondary School in Maga, President Tinubu urged communities—particularly those in high-risk areas—to strengthen cooperation with security agencies by sharing timely information that could aid military, police, and DSS operations.
“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.
He also lamented the disruption of the girls’ education, describing the attackers as “heartless terrorists,” and ordered security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the students.
“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. “I urge community leaders and compatriots across the country, especially those in the theatres of operations, to share useful intelligence. Your cooperation is crucial in our fight against these security challenges.”
