President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the release of the 24 schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, following a week in captivity.
The students were freed after being abducted in a dawn raid on November 17, during which the school’s vice-principal was shot dead. The attack occurred moments after a military detachment had left the school premises.
In a statement announcing the development, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the news and conveyed President Tinubu’s reaction. “I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for,” the President was quoted as saying.
The Kebbi abduction had triggered a wave of “copycat kidnappings” in other states, including Eruku in Kwara and Papiri in Niger. These incidents have seen mixed resolutions; all 38 victims in Eruku were freed on Sunday, and 50 of the missing students from the Catholic school in Niger were reportedly found at their parents’ homes the same day.
While applauding the security agents for their efforts in securing the freedom of the victims, President Tinubu issued a urgent directive for enhanced measures. He stated, “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.”
The President also tasked security forces with intensifying efforts to rescue any remaining students still being held captive.
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