Tinubu Sends Shettima to Kebbi, Mourns Fallen Soldiers, Orders Swift Rescue of Abducted Schoolgirls

Tinubu Sends Shettima to Kebbi, Mourns Fallen Soldiers, Orders Swift Rescue of Abducted Schoolgirls

Abiola Adigun|Albarka 89.9 FM|Ilorin|November 18 2025

President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State on Wednesday to commiserate with the government and families of schoolgirls abducted from a boarding school in Maga community, Sakaba Local Government Area.
The directive follows the kidnapping of the students by suspected bandits during a midnight raid, an incident that has renewed national concerns over school safety in Nigeria’s north-west region.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President assured parents and guardians that the Federal Government is committed to securing the release of the girls and returning them safely to their families.
Tinubu also condoled with the Nigerian military over the deaths of officers and soldiers—including Brigadier General Musa Uba—killed in action during an operation against insurgents in Borno State. He described the losses as “deeply saddening,” noting that the military high command had fully briefed him on both the Kebbi abduction and the Borno attack.
“As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am depressed with the tragic death of our soldiers and officers on active duty,” the President said. “May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other fallen heroes.”
The President condemned the attack on the school and acknowledged earlier intelligence reports warning of a possible assault by bandits in the area. He commended Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris for efforts made to prevent the abduction despite the difficult security environment.
Beyond immediate government action, Tinubu called on residents, community leaders and local vigilantes—especially in high-risk zones—to strengthen collaboration with security agencies by supplying timely intelligence.
“Our security forces cannot succeed in protecting us if the people don’t cooperate and share information,” he said. “Your cooperation is crucial in our fight against these security challenges.”
School abductions, a recurring threat since the 2014 Chibok incident, have continued to pose serious risks to education in parts of northern Nigeria. The Maga attack adds to the series of mass kidnappings that have targeted students in Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara states in recent years.
Vice President Shettima’s visit is expected to include meetings with the state government, affected families, and security operatives involved in the ongoing search-and-rescue mission.