President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to Kebbi State today to condole with the government and families of the 25 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga. He also assured parents that the government is working to secure the girls’ immediate release.
The President expressed deep sorrow over the attack, as well as the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba and several soldiers during an operation against insurgents in Borno State. He extended condolences to their families and praised their sacrifice.
Tinubu said he was disturbed that the abduction happened despite earlier intelligence alerts. He commended Governor Nasir Idris for efforts to prevent the attack and called on communities nationwide to share timely information with security agencies.
Mother Recounts How Her Daughter Escaped
Amina Hassan, wife of the slain vice principal, shared the terrifying moment bandits stormed their home around 3:30 a.m. She initially thought animals were outside the house until the attackers broke the door open.
Her husband was shot while struggling with the intruders. Amina was dragged outside, but a distraction allowed her daughter to slip away into the bush. She returned home unharmed later in the morning.
Army Intensifies Search, Vows No Rest Until Girls Are Found
Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, visited Kebbi and ordered troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA to conduct continuous day-and-night operations until every abducted girl is rescued.
He urged commanders to rely heavily on intelligence and work closely with vigilantes and hunters who know the terrain. Shaibu also met with community leaders and school officials, assuring them of the military’s full commitment.
Senate Calls for Recruitment of 100,000 More Security Personnel
The Senate condemned the attack and called on the President to urgently recruit at least 100,000 additional military personnel to address Nigeria’s expanding security challenges.
Lawmakers also moved to set up a committee to investigate the Safe School Programme, questioning why schools remain vulnerable despite previous interventions.
Several senators stressed the need for citizens, community leaders, and security agencies to work together, noting that the country’s current military strength cannot adequately cover a population of over 230 million.
International Reactions
U.S. Congressman Riley Moore condemned the attack, calling for prayers for the abducted girls and urging Nigeria to take stronger action against rising violence.
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UNICEF also expressed concern, reminding Nigeria of its commitment to the Safe Schools Declaration and calling for better protection for children and educational institutions.
First Lady, NANS Join in Condemnation
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu described the abduction as a direct assault on education and prayed for the safe return of the students and the repose of the vice principal’s soul.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) said the attack cast a shadow over International Students’ Day, which coincided with the tragedy. The student body appealed for swift rescue efforts and renewed calls to secure schools nationwide, recalling previous mass abductions in Chibok, Dapchi, Katsina, NCigeria.
