President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State on Wednesday to reassure parents and guardians of abducted schoolgirls that the Federal Government is committed to securing their swift release.
The presidential directive follows the Monday dawn attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko Wasagu Local Government Area, where armed bandits killed the school’s Vice Principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and abducted 25 female students.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the incident, despite prior intelligence warnings of a potential bandit strike in the area.
The President, who has been fully briefed by military authorities, commended Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris for efforts made to prevent the kidnapping. However, he decried the security breach that allowed the attack on the boarding school facility.
“As the 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,” President Tinubu stated.
He added: “I am also pained 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 emphasized that security forces require community cooperation to effectively combat insecurity. He urged community leaders and residents, particularly in high-risk areas, to share actionable intelligence with security agencies.
“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,” Tinubu said, stressing the crucial role of community intelligence in the fight against security challenges.
Vice President Shettima’s visit on Wednesday will include consultations with state government officials, security operatives, and affected families to coordinate rescue efforts and strengthen protective measures against future attacks.