Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, will travel to Kebbi State on Wednesday on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, following the abduction of students from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Ribah.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Shettima will meet with the state government and reassure the parents and guardians of the kidnapped students that the Federal Government is working to secure their release.
President Tinubu also extended his condolences to the Nigerian military over the death of soldiers, including Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was killed while fighting insurgents in Borno State.
“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,” the President said.
“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.”
Tinubu praised Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris for efforts made to prevent the attack, while expressing concern over the security lapse that enabled the abduction.
He urged community leaders and residents, particularly in vulnerable areas, to provide intelligence that could support security operations.
“Our security forces cannot succeed in protecting us without the cooperation of local communities.”
“I urge community leaders and citizens, particularly in areas facing security challenges, to share useful intelligence. Your cooperation is crucial in our fight against insecurity,” he said.
The attackers reportedly struck shortly after leaving the school’s staff quarters.
In the process, the school’s vice principal, Hassan Makuku, was fatally shot as he attempted to shield students from the gunmen.
Witnesses described a scene of panic, noting that the assailants encountered no resistance.
Kebbi State Police spokesperson, Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the incident and said a combined team of police tactical units, soldiers, and vigilantes has been deployed to comb surrounding forests in search of the abducted girls and their captors.
Governor Idris, through his Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, announced that Deputy Governor Umar Tafida had visited the school to assess the situation, while the governor, who is currently out of the state, continues to monitor developments.
Residents remain in mourning over Makuku’s death, while anxious parents await news as rescue operations intensify.
