Tinubu Condemns Abduction of Kebbi Schoolgirls, Death of Brigadier General Uba

President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba along with other soldiers in Borno State.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, Tinubu said, “I am heartbroken by the abduction of our daughters in Kebbi and the painful loss of Brigadier General Musa Uba and the brave soldiers who fell in Borno. Their families and the families of the kidnapped schoolgirls are in my prayers.”

The President said he was deeply saddened by the death of military personnel on active duty and prayed for strength and comfort for the affected families.

He added, “I am also depressed that heartless terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls. I have directed the security agencies to act swiftly and bring the girls back to Kebbi State.”

Tinubu said he had been fully briefed on the recent surge in violent extremism in some parts of the country and had ordered security agencies to respond with urgency, precision, and decisive action.

He emphasised that intelligence sharing from local communities was crucial, noting, “Our forces need the full cooperation of every community. Sharing information can save lives and protect our children.”

Tinubu also warned that anyone threatening the safety of Nigerians “will face the full weight of the Nigerian state.”

According to DIP CONNECT Online, the abductions occurred early Monday when armed men invaded the dormitory of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The attackers killed the school’s vice principal and a security guard before escaping with 25 students. One student reportedly escaped unharmed as hunters and security forces intensified search efforts for the remaining girls.

In a separate incident, Brigadier General Musa Uba, commander of the Nigerian Army’s 25 Task Force Brigade in Damboa, Borno State, was ambushed and captured by Islamic State West Africa Province militants on Friday during a convoy mission near Wajiroko village. ISWAP claimed on Monday that it had executed the senior officer and other captured soldiers, although the Army initially disputed the report.

Tinubu’s statement confirmed Uba’s death, honoring him as one of the “brave soldiers who fell in Borno.”

ADEOLA KUNLE