By: Temitope Mustapha, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State on Wednesday to reassure guardians and families of the abducted schoolgirls of the Nigerian Government’s full commitment to their swift rescue.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President also commiserated with the state government and extended his condolences to the Nigerian military over the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other soldiers killed in action while confronting insurgents in Borno State.
He described their sacrifice as noble and deeply painful.
“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.
“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,” President Tinubu added.
The President, who has been briefed extensively by military authorities on both incidents, expressed sadness that the schoolgirls were abducted despite earlier intelligence alerts pointing to a likely bandit attack.
He commended Kebbi State Governor, Mohammed Nasir Idris, for efforts taken to avert the kidnapping and called for stronger vigilance across vulnerable communities.
Decrying the security breach that led to the abduction at the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary boarding School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, President Tinubu appealed to communities, particularly those in conflict-prone areas, to work more closely with security agencies by sharing information and intelligence that could help prevent attacks and enhance local safety.
“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. I urge community leaders and our compatriots across the country, especially those in the theatres of operations, to share useful information.”
He emphasised that security forces cannot operate effectively without the cooperation of citizens.
“Your cooperation is crucial in our fight against these security challenges,” the President added.
It would be recalled that armed men stormed Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary boarding School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, around 4 a.m. on Monday.
During the attack, 25 schoolgirls were abducted, the school’s vice-principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, was left dead, and another staff member was injured.
Olusola Akintonde