Vice President Kashim Shettima has pledged that the Federal Government will mobilize every available resource to secure the safe return of 25 schoolgirls kidnapped from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, describing the incident as a national tragedy that has profoundly shocked Nigeria.
Shettima made the commitment on Wednesday during a presidential visit to Kebbi State to express solidarity with the government and families affected by Sunday’s violent abduction that also claimed the life of a school administrator.
Speaking during the sympathy mission, the Vice President emphasized that the pain experienced by Kebbi State resonates across the entire nation. “Kebbi’s pain is Nigeria’s pain,” Shettima stated, underscoring the collective anguish the incident has generated nationwide.
He assured residents that President Bola Tinubu is personally monitoring the situation and remains fully committed to ensuring the successful rescue of the abducted students. “The President is deeply concerned and remains committed to the rescue operations,” the Vice President disclosed.
Shettima provided firm assurances that the government would not spare any effort in bringing the girls home safely, promising comprehensive deployment of state machinery to achieve this objective. “All available state apparatus will be deployed to ensure the girls are returned unharmed,” he declared, signaling the administration’s determination to resolve the crisis.
The Vice President also addressed the tragic death of the school’s vice principal, Hassan Makuku, who was reportedly killed while attempting to prevent the bandits from taking the students. Shettima pledged that the Federal Government would provide support for the deceased educator’s family and ensure his sacrifice is appropriately recognized.
“We will honour and take care of the family. His sacrifice will not be in vain,” the Vice President stated, acknowledging the courage displayed by the administrator in his final moments trying to protect students under his care.
During his visit, Shettima took time to commend security agencies for their ongoing efforts to combat insecurity across the region, recognizing the courage and sacrifices made by personnel deployed to various frontlines in the fight against banditry and terrorism.
He made particular mention of a late Brigadier General who had been involved in security operations in the area, stating that his service and ultimate sacrifice would be remembered and honored by the nation.
The Vice President also praised Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris for his leadership and commitment to enhancing security within the state. “A true son of the North,” Shettima described the governor, commending his proactive approach to addressing insecurity challenges facing his administration.
The high-profile nature of the visit was underscored by the composition of Shettima’s entourage, which included several cabinet members and the ruling party chairman. Among those accompanying the Vice President were Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, the Minister of Women Affairs, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress.
The presence of these senior government officials demonstrated the priority the Tinubu administration is placing on addressing the abduction and reassuring the affected community of federal support.
In his response, Governor Idris expressed gratitude to Vice President Shettima and President Tinubu for their show of solidarity during the state’s difficult moment. He assured the federal delegation that Kebbi State maintains confidence in the Federal Government’s resolve and capacity to tackle the insecurity challenges plaguing the region.
The Vice President’s visit fulfills a direct mandate from President Tinubu, who postponed scheduled international trips to South Africa and Angola to await comprehensive briefings on the Kebbi abduction and a separate attack on worshippers in Kwara State.
Security forces, including military personnel, police tactical units, and local vigilantes, continue to comb forests and suspected bandit routes in intensified efforts to locate and recover the abducted girls.
Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu had earlier visited Kebbi to personally direct military operations, ordering troops to maintain continuous pressure on the criminals through day-and-night operations until all students are recovered.
As rescue efforts enter their fourth day, families of the 25 abducted Muslim girls—whose names have been publicly released by the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Chairman—remain anxious for news of their daughters’ whereabouts and condition.
The Vice President’s assurances of comprehensive federal support and resource deployment offer hope that the combined security operation will succeed in bringing the traumatic ordeal to a swift and positive conclusion.
Whether the promised mobilization of all available state apparatus will translate into the breakthrough needed to locate the bandits’ hideout and execute a successful rescue operation remains to be seen as Nigeria watches and waits for developments from Kebbi State.
