Tinubu sends Shettima to Kebbi, orders swift rescue of kidnapped schoolgirls

By Grace Edet

President Bola Tinubu has dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to Kebbi State today to console families of the kidnapped schoolgirls from the Government Secondary School, Maga, and to reassure the state that the Federal Government is moving urgently to secure their release.
The President also mourned Brigadier-General Musa Uba and several soldiers killed during an anti-insurgency operation in Borno State, describing their deaths as a painful reminder of the sacrifices made to protect the nation.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga in a statement, said Tinubu, who has been “fully briefed” on both incidents, expressed deep sadness over the abduction, especially after intelligence agencies had reportedly warned of a possible bandit attack.
The President commended Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris for his attempts to prevent the kidnapping but lamented that the bandits still succeeded.
Tinubu urged communities facing security challenges to strengthen cooperation with the military, police and Department of State Services (DSS), stressing that security forces require intelligence from local residents to operate effectively.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He also condemned the attack on the school, declaring: “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 emphasised that community collaboration remains essential to defeating insecurity.
“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 said.
Vice President Shettima is expected to meet with Governor Idris, traditional leaders and affected families as security agencies intensify search-and-rescue operations to secure the safe return of the abducted girls.
The President offered prayers for the fallen soldiers and renewed his commitment to restoring safety across troubled regions.