Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the release of 24 schoolgirls who were abducted by terrorists from the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi. The abduction took place on November 17. The president has also instructed security agencies to step up their efforts to rescue others who remain in captivity.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the statement was released by Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday in Abuja. The statement conveyed President Tinubu’s relief that the schoolgirls, who were taken shortly after a military detachment left the school premises, have been safely reunited with the authorities. The president noted that the Kebbi abduction had led to similar incidents in Eruku, Kwara, and Papiri, Niger.
In Eruku, all 38 abducted victims were freed on Sunday. Additionally, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger confirmed that 50 missing students from a Catholic School in the state have returned home. President Tinubu commended the security agencies for their efforts so far and urged them to intensify operations to rescue those still held.
The president expressed his relief, stating, “I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for.” He emphasized the need for increased security measures, saying, “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.”