President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State today (Wednesday) in a show of solidarity following the abduction of schoolgirls from a boarding school in Maga.
According to the Presidency, the visit is meant to convey the Federal Government’s sympathy, reassure worried families, and reaffirm its commitment to securing the prompt and safe return of the abducted students.
Tinubu also extended condolences to the Nigerian military over the death of soldiers—including Brigadier-General Musa Uba — killed during clashes with insurgents in Borno State. He described their sacrifice as a painful reminder of the courage required to defend the nation.
Briefed by military authorities on both incidents, the President expressed sadness that the abduction occurred despite intelligence reports warning of a possible bandit attack. He commended Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris for proactive attempts to avert the kidnapping and called for stronger collaboration between state authorities and security agencies.
Condemning the attack, Tinubu said it was not only an assault on the affected community but also a blow to Nigeria’s drive to guarantee safe and uninterrupted education for all children. He stressed the need for heightened community vigilance and improved intelligence-sharing, especially in areas vulnerable to criminal activity.
Tinubu noted that security agencies cannot operate effectively without citizens’ support and urged traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilante groups, and residents to provide credible information that can help track the criminals and prevent similar incidents.
“As Commander-in-Chief, I am deeply pained by the tragic loss of our soldiers. May God comfort the families of Brigadier-General Musa Uba and our fallen heroes, whose courage continues to inspire our nation,” he said.
The President described the students’ abduction as particularly distressing, insisting that no society should allow criminals to disrupt children’s education. He said he had directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to ensure the girls are rescued without delay.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to restoring peace nationwide, Tinubu highlighted ongoing security reforms—including expanded recruitment, enhanced equipment, and new technology—as part of efforts to strengthen responses to insurgency and banditry.
“Our security forces need citizens’ cooperation to succeed. I urge community leaders and residents in affected areas to share useful information. Your support is vital to ending these threats,” he said.
Vice President Shettima is expected to meet with state officials, families of the abducted students, traditional rulers, and security chiefs during his visit.
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