Shettima Heads to Kebbi as Tinubu Pledges Rescue of Kidnapped Students

President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State today to offer condolences to the state government and reassure parents and guardians of the kidnapped schoolgirls that the federal government is committed to securing their swift release.

Tinubu also extended his sympathies to the military over the deaths of gallant soldiers, including Brigadier General Musa Uba, who lost his life while on active duty fighting insurgents in Borno State.

This comes as Amina Hassan, the wife of the slain Vice Principal of Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, recounted how her daughter narrowly escaped during Monday night’s attack by bandits, which resulted in the abduction of 25 schoolgirls.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt General Waidi Shaibu, has instructed troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to leave no stone unturned in the ongoing search-and-rescue mission for the abducted students.

The Senate has called for the urgent rescue of the kidnapped schoolgirls and urged President Tinubu to immediately approve the recruitment of at least 100,000 additional military personnel to help the country address its rising security challenges amid rapid population growth.

Additionally, US lawmaker Riley Moore, known for advocating sanctions against Nigeria over alleged Christian persecution, condemned the abduction, while UNICEF also denounced the attack and called for stronger child protection measures.

President Tinubu, who received full briefings from military authorities regarding the abduction and the killing of Brigadier General Uba by ISWAP, expressed sorrow over the incident, despite prior intelligence warnings about a potential strike. He commended Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris for efforts to prevent the kidnapping.

While condemning the security breach that led to the girls’ abduction, Tinubu urged communities across the country—especially in high-risk areas—to share intelligence and information that would assist the military, police, and DSS in safeguarding their localities.

Noting that security forces cannot operate effectively without community support, the President stated:

"As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of our soldiers and officers on active duty. May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and all other fallen heroes."

#UTVAfrica#