President Bola Tinubu has sent Vice President Kashim Shettima to Kebbi State to meet with families of the schoolgirls abducted from a boarding school in Maga, assuring them that efforts are underway to secure the girls’ swift and safe return.

In a statement on Tuesday, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President was briefed by military authorities and expressed deep sorrow over the attack, noting that the abduction occurred despite intelligence warnings of a possible bandit strike. He also commiserated with the military over the deaths of several soldiers, including Brigadier General Musa Uba, in Borno State.

Tinubu praised Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris for attempting to prevent the kidnapping and described the incident as a painful setback. He urged communities, especially those in high-risk areas, to cooperate more closely with security agencies.

“As Commander-in-Chief, I am deeply saddened by the loss of our soldiers and the attack on innocent schoolgirls,” he said, directing security forces to act swiftly to rescue the abducted students.

The President emphasized that citizen cooperation is vital to weakening criminal networks and preventing future attacks. Vice President Shettima will meet state officials and affected families on Wednesday to deliver the President’s message of support.