President Bola Tinubu has sent cto Kebbi State to speak with the bereaved relatives of the schoolgirls kidnapped from Maga boarding school.
He also stated that the government is striving to secure their safe and timely return.
This is exactly what he said: the abduction took place despite intelligence warnings of a likely bandit attack.
In a statement published on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also expressed condolences to the military for the deaths of numerous soldiers, including Brigadier General Musa Uba, who were killed in action while fighting rebels in Borno.
Tinubu stated that he had been fully briefed by military authorities on both occurrences and expressed sincere regret for the attack on the school.
He observed that the abduction occurred “despite intelligence warnings of a possible strike by the bandits” and praised Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris for his attempts to prevent the kidnapping.
The president characterized the attack as a terrible setback and urged communities, particularly those in security-vulnerable areas, to collaborate more closely with security personnel.
While lamenting the double tragedies, Tinubu declared, “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 stated that he was equally troubled by the assault on schoolchildren, stating, “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 stressed that citizen cooperation remains central to weakening criminal networks and preventing further attacks.
“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 theaters of operations, to share useful information. Your cooperation is crucial in our fight against these security challenges,” he said.
Vice President Shettima is set to visit Kebbi on Wednesday to meet with state officials, reassure concerned parents, and transmit the President’s message of solidarity and commitment, according to the statement.
