President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State today to commiserate with the government and reassure parents of the abducted schoolgirls that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring their immediate rescue.
The President also extended condolences to the Nigerian military over the death of gallant soldiers, including Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was killed during an operation against insurgents in Borno State.
The directive came as Amina Hassan, wife of the slain Vice Principal of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, recounted how her daughter narrowly escaped the bandits’ attack during which 25 students were kidnapped on Monday night.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify the ongoing search and rescue mission and ensure no effort is spared in returning the girls safely.
The Senate also weighed in on the incident, calling for urgent action to rescue the abducted students. Lawmakers further urged President Tinubu to approve the recruitment of at least 100,000 additional military personnel to address rising security threats and Nigeria’s rapidly growing population.
In the international community, U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore, known for his strong stance on alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria condemned the abduction, while UNICEF described the incident as unacceptable and called for stronger protection for children nationwide.
A statement from the Presidency revealed that Tinubu had been fully briefed on both the abduction in Kebbi and the killing of Brigadier General Uba by ISWAP operatives.
The President expressed deep sadness over the attack, despite earlier intelligence reports warning of a possible strike. He commended Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris for efforts made to prevent the incident.
Tinubu further urged communities, especially those in high-risk areas, to actively share intelligence with security agencies, noting that local cooperation is crucial to sustaining national security.
“As Commander-in-Chief, I am heartbroken by the loss of our brave soldiers. May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other fallen heroes,” the President said.
“I am also deeply pained that terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls. I have ordered security agencies to act swiftly and ensure the safe return of the girls. Our troops depend on cooperation from the public, especially community leaders to protect our nation. Your support is essential.”
Narrating the terrifying incident, Mrs. Amina Hassan said the bandits stormed their home around 3:30 a.m. while the family was asleep.
“We were sleeping when I heard movements outside. I thought it was animals destroying things, so I woke my husband. Suddenly, the door was forced open,” she said.
The attackers shot her husband after a brief struggle and attempted to abduct her. While arguing with them, her daughter came out of the house, drawing the attention of the bandits.
“They ordered her to lie down so they could shoot her too. She told them, ‘I should lie down so you can shoot me?’ And they said yes,” Mrs. Hassan recalled.
Her daughter then requested permission to ease herself. When the attackers opened the door leading out, they spotted other girls and shifted their attention, giving the young girl a chance to escape into the bush. She returned home at daybreak.
