President Bola Tinubu has instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to Kebbi State on Wednesday to meet with state officials and reassure families of the kidnapped schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School.
The visit aims to convey the government’s commitment to ensuring the girls’ swift rescue.
The directive was revealed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Alongside this, President Tinubu expressed sympathy to the military over the death of several soldiers—including Brigadier General Musa Uba—who were killed while confronting insurgents in Borno State.
Tinubu stated, “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.” He condemned the attack on the schoolgirls, saying he was “pained that heartless terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls,” and stressed that security agencies had been directed to act swiftly to bring the girls home.
The President also praised Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris for earlier efforts to prevent the attack while expressing concern over the security breach that enabled the abduction at the boarding school in Maga. He appealed to communities, particularly those in vulnerable areas, to support security personnel with timely information.
Tinubu emphasized, “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.”
The incident unfolded shortly after the gunmen departed the staff quarters. In the chaos, the school’s vice principal, Hassan Makuku, was killed while attempting to shield students from being taken. Witnesses recounted that the attackers met no resistance, leaving fear and confusion across the community.
Kebbi Police spokesperson Nafiu Abubakar confirmed the abduction and noted that police tactical squads, soldiers and local vigilantes had been deployed. Security units are currently searching surrounding forests in pursuit of the kidnappers and in hopes of recovering the missing students.
Governor Idris, through his Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, reported that Deputy Governor Umar Tafida had been sent to the area to evaluate the situation. At the same time, the governor, who is out of the state, continues to receive updates from security authorities.
Residents are mourning Vice Principal Makuku’s courageous act, which ultimately cost him his life. At the same time, distressed parents remain hopeful as the search for their daughters continues. Images from the school reveal abandoned dormitories, with scattered belongings and empty beds reflecting the terror that unfolded on Sunday night.
What you should know
This incident adds to the growing concern over school kidnappings in northern Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target educational institutions.
President Tinubu’s directive to Shettima signals federal urgency, while security forces and local vigilantes intensify search operations.
The death of Vice Principal Hassan Makuku underscores the human toll of the ongoing security crisis, and communities are being urged to support security efforts to prevent further attacks.
