THIS DAWN — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, expressed deep sorrow over the abduction of 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
President Tinubu described the incident as a heartbreaking attack on Nigeria’s children and their right to education.
Tinubu’s response, however, comes two days after armed terrorists stormed the school, kidnapping the students and killing a Vice Principal.
The attack has drawn nationwide outrage.
In a statement released on his official X handle, Tinubu said he was “heartbroken” by both the abduction and the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba alongside other soldiers during a separate ambush in Borno State.
“Their families, and the families of the kidnapped schoolgirls, are in my prayers,” he said.
The President noted that the deaths of the military personnel were particularly painful, stressing his responsibility as Commander-in-Chief.
“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,” he wrote.
Tinubu tells army to “act swiftly”
Tinubu also condemned the terrorists who “disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls”.
He assured the nation that he had directed security agencies to act swiftly in securing the safe return of the abducted students.
“I have directed the security agencies to act swiftly and bring the girls back to Kebbi State,” he said.
Addressing recent spikes in extremist violence across the country, the President stated that he remained fully informed and had ordered a reinforced, coordinated response.
“I am fully apprised of the recent uptick in violent extremism in pockets across the country.
“I have directed our security agencies to respond with urgency, clarity, and decisive action,” he added.
Tinubu appealed for community cooperation, emphasizing that intelligence sharing remains crucial to combating insecurity.
“Our forces need the full cooperation of every community. Sharing information can save lives and protect our children,” he said.
Reassuring Nigerians of his government’s resolve, President Tinubu vowed that those responsible for terrorizing citizens “will face the full weight of the Nigerian state.”
He also extended prayers to bereaved families and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring safety in schools and communities nationwide.
First Lady reacts
In a similar vein, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the abduction of the 25 students.
Her reaction comes roughly 40 hours after armed attackers stormed the school, long after the country was thrown into mourning.
Responding to the reaction of Tinubu and his wife, an analyst said that it seemed they were in deep slumber, totally alienated from events around the country.
