Tinubu Welcomes Freed Kebbi Schoolgirls, Urges Security Forces To Rescue Remaining Kidnapping Victims

Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu today welcomed the release of 24 schoolgirls abducted by terrorists from a school in Maga, Kebbi State, last Monday, and called on security forces to intensify efforts to rescue other students still in captivity.

The girls were kidnapped at dawn on November 17, shortly after a military detachment had departed the school premises.

The incident in Kebbi sparked a wave of copycat abductions in other states, including Eruku in Kwara State and Papiri in Niger State.

In a statement released on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated that President Tinubu applauded the efforts of security personnel in securing the freedom of the victims, while stressing the need for sustained vigilance.

The statement read, “President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the release today of the 24 schoolgirls abducted by terrorists in Maga Kebbi last Monday.

“Terrorists struck at the school at dawn on November 17 and abducted the girls, moments after a military detachment left the premises.

“The Kebbi incident triggered some other copycat kidnappings in Eruku in Kwara State and Papiri in Niger State.”

According to the statement, “All 38 kidnapped victims in Eruku were freed on Sunday. The same day, the Niger State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria said 50 of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger have been found in their parents’ homes.

“President Tinubu applauded the security agents for all the efforts made to secure freedom for all the victims taken away by the terrorists.

“ 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. My government will offer all the assistance needed to achieve this,” President Tinubu said.