President Bola Tinubu has expressed relief over the release of the 24 schoolgirls abducted by terrorists in Maga, Kebbi State, last week.
The armed group stormed the school at dawn on November 17, shortly after a military detachment reportedly left the area, and took the students captive. The incident set off a wave of similar attacks, including abductions in Eruku, Kwara State, and Papiri in Niger State.
Authorities confirmed that all 38 victims seized in Eruku were rescued on Sunday. On the same day, the Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria announced that 50 students earlier declared missing from a Catholic school had been traced to their homes.
In a statement issued Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended security agencies for their efforts in securing the release of the abducted victims. He urged them to intensify operations to free those still in captivity.
“I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for. Now, we must urgently deploy more boots on the ground in vulnerable communities to prevent further kidnappings. My administration will provide all necessary support to achieve this,” he said.
During the Kebbi attack, the assailants killed the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, before fleeing with the students.
