President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State to sympathise with the state government and reassure parents and guardians of kidnapped schoolgirls of their safe return, a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said on Tuesday.
According to the statement, President Tinubu also sent condolences to the military over the death of gallant soldiers, including Brigadier General Musa Uba, who lost his life while on active duty combating insurgents in Borno State.
The President expressed sadness over the abduction of the schoolgirls from a boarding school in Maga, Kebbi State, despite prior intelligence warnings of a possible attack. He commended Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris for efforts made to avert the kidnapping.
Decrying the security breach, Tinubu urged communities nationwide, particularly in high-risk areas, to support security agencies with intelligence that could enhance public safety.
He said, “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. 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.”
President Tinubu further emphasised, “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 theatres of operations, to share useful information. Your cooperation is crucial in our fight against these security challenges.”