NEWS
Tinubu Relieved by Kebbi Schoolgirls’ Release
President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound relief following the successful release of the twenty-four schoolgirls who were abducted by terrorists in Maga, Kebbi State, last Monday. The President’s reaction signals a victory for the country’s security architecture in a period marked by escalating abductions.
The girls were seized on November 17 after terrorists struck the school at dawn, exploiting the brief period immediately following the departure of a military detachment from the premises.
The Kebbi incident, alongside similar attacks, appeared to trigger a wave of copycat kidnappings in other regions, notably in Eruku, Kwara State, and Papiri, Niger State.
However, recent days have brought encouraging news on the rescue front. All thirty-eight victims kidnapped in the Kwara incident at Eruku were reportedly freed on Sunday.
On the same day, the Niger State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria announced that fifty of the missing students from the Catholic school in Niger had been successfully located in their parents’ homes.
Bayo Onanuga, the spokesperson for the President, conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation, stating that he has applauded the security agents for their concerted efforts in securing the freedom of all victims taken away by the terrorists.
Despite the successful operation, the President issued a directive to the security agencies, tasking them to intensify their efforts to rescue any remaining students who might still be held captive by the criminal elements.
Onanuga quoted the President as saying: “I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for. Now, we must put as a matter of urgency more boots on the ground in the vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping.”
President Tinubu concluded his remarks with a promise of unwavering support for the security forces, assuring them: “My government will offer all the assistance needed to achieve this,” pledging resources for greater operational effectiveness.
