The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has assured families of the abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State, as well as relatives of Brigadier-General Musa Uba and the late Vice Principal of the affected school, that President Bola Tinubu is deeply troubled by the tragic events.
VP Shettima, speaking during a visit to Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State’s capital, emphasized that the federal government will employ all available state instruments to rescue the schoolchildren and ensure that the abductors and perpetrators of the killings are brought to justice.
“This government will not relent. We will use every instrument of the state to bring these girls home and to ensure that the perpetrators of this wickedness face the full weight of justice. Kebbi, you are not alone. Nigeria stands with you. And we shall not rest until your daughters return to your warm embrace,” he said.
The visit was conducted on the directive of President Tinubu, who tasked Shettima to extend the nation’s condolences to the families and assure parents and guardians of the kidnapped girls that all efforts are being made for their safe return.
VP Shettima described the abduction from the boarding school in Maga as an assault on the collective conscience of Nigeria. He called on Nigerians to unite, emphasizing that the tragedy transcends politics, geography, and identity.
He also paid tribute to the gallant officers who lost their lives, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba and the school vice principal, promising that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
The Vice President commended the Governor of Kebbi State, Muhammed Idris, community leaders, traditional rulers, vigilante groups, civil society partners, and all security agencies, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, for their commitment and bravery in responding to the crisis.
Governor Idris thanked President Tinubu for his support and expressed optimism that the girls would soon be rescued. He also pledged the state’s continued partnership with the federal government to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Present at the visit were prominent officials including the APC National Chairman, Nantawe Yitwada; Deputy Governor Umar Tafida; Ministers Abubakar Bagudu, Iman Ibrahim, Bernard Fori, and Tanko Yusuf; members of the National Assembly; members of the State House of Assembly; former Governor Usman Dakingari; and heads of military and paramilitary agencies.
