By Kingsley Omonobi, Henry Umoru, Adesina Wahab, Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Haruna Aliyu
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has requested Vice President Kashim Shettima to go to Kebbi State immediately to sympathise with the state authorities and guarantee mother and father and guardians of the kidnapped schoolgirls that the federal government would guarantee their fast launch.
He additionally despatched his condolences to the navy over the loss of life of gallant troopers and Brigadier Basic Musa Uba, who paid the final word worth whereas on energetic responsibility combating insurgents in Borno State.
This got here on a day spouse of the slain Vice Principal of Authorities Ladies Complete Senior Secondary Faculty, Maga, Kebbi State, killed by bandits who attacked the college Monday evening, Amina Hassan, narrated how her daughter escaped through the lethal assault that led to the kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls.
That is even because the Chief of Military Workers, COAS, Lt Basic Waidi Shaibu, yesterday directed troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to depart no stone unturned within the ongoing search-and-rescue operation for the kidnapped college students.
The Military chief gave the order because the Senate, whereas calling for the pressing rescue of the kidnapped schoolgirls, additionally requested President Bola Tinubu to urgently order recruitment of not less than 100,000 officers and males into the navy, to allow the nation deal with the exponential enhance in inhabitants and rising safety challenges.
Additionally yesterday, one of many US lawmakers within the forefront of calling for sanctions towards Nigeria over alleged Christian genocide within the nation, Riley Moore, equally condemned the kidnapping of the schoolgirls, even because the United Nations Emergency Fund, UNICEF, whereas additionally additionally condemning the kidnapping, referred to as for stronger safety of youngsters
President Tinubu, who the navy authorities had absolutely briefed concerning the two the kidnapping and killing of Brigadier Basic Uba by ISWAP,, expressed unhappiness over the kidnapping of the schoolgirls, regardless of intelligence warnings of a potential strike by the bandits. He counseled Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris for the efforts made to avert the kidnapping.
Whereas decrying the safety breach that led to the regrettable abduction of ladies from the boarding college in Maga, Kebbi State, Tinubu urged communities throughout the nation, particularly in areas going through safety challenges, to share data and intelligence that will assist the navy, the police and the DSS make the communities secure.
Noting that safety forces couldn’t carry out optimally with out the assist of Nigerians and native communities, the President stated: “Because the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I’m depressed with the tragic loss of life of our troopers and officers on energetic responsibility. Might God consolation the households of Brigadier Basic Musa Uba and different fallen heroes.
“I’m additionally depressed that heartless terrorists have disrupted the schooling of harmless schoolgirls. I’ve directed the safety companies to behave swiftly and produce the women again to Kebbi State.
“Our safety forces can not reach defending us if the folks don’t cooperate and share data that may assist them hold our communities secure. I urge group leaders and our compatriots throughout the nation, particularly these within the theatres of operations, to share helpful data. Your cooperation is essential in our combat towards these safety challenges,” the President stated.
Recounting how the kidnapping occurred, Amina stated the attackers broke into their residence round 3:30 a.m. whereas the household slept.
She recounted: “What occurred is that we have been asleep round 3.30 a.m. after I heard actions behind our window. So I attempted to wake my husband as much as inform him that the animals are destroying our issues exterior. Earlier than I knew it, there was a bang on our door and it was forcibly opened
“So, I tapped my husband to inform him that the animals have gotten into the home and they’re actually destroying our issues. As quickly as he bought up, we realised they weren’t animals however robbers armed with weapons.
“We began battling them. Then one in all them pulled out his gun and shot my husband. Then they dragged me by my hand exterior the home.
“I instructed them to depart me alone, that I’d not go together with them since they’ve killed the daddy of my youngsters and they’re asking the kids to go in and sleep.
“I used to be nonetheless arguing with them when my daughter got here out. Then they left me and went to her and took her to cause them to the hostel.
“Then they instructed her to put down, to allow them to shoot her too. So she instructed them, ‘I ought to lay down so that you could shoot me.’ They stated ‘sure.’
“So she requested that they permit her to go and ease herself. Then they opened the door and noticed different ladies, and their consideration was shifted from my lady.’’
Mrs Hassan, who famous that this distraction helped her daughter escape, stated additional: “That was how she was in a position to escape into the bush. By the point she got here again, it was already morning.’’
You could combat day and evening to rescue schoolgirls, COAS orders troops
Nonetheless, the Chief of Military Workers, Lt Basic Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to depart no stone unturned within the ongoing search-and-rescue operation for kidnapped college students.
Talking throughout a go to to the state, Shaibu ordered the troopers to accentuate day and evening operations till all of the kidnapped schoolgirls have been safely rescued.
Based on Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the military chief arrived the state with a delegation of principal workers officers from military headquarters.
He held an operational assembly with frontline commanders in Kebbi earlier than addressing troops deployed within the search effort.
Shaibu reminded officers and troopers {that a} ruthless dedication to succeed was important, saying “you have to proceed day and evening combating. We should discover these youngsters.
“For the commanders right here, you have to leverage intelligence to conduct intelligence-based missions. It has change into a sample that bandits goal delicate targets. In the event that they know you’re in a location, they won’t come there or face you in a combat and you may defeat them, can’t you?
“You could have all of the dedication to be sure to succeed. When you obtain intelligence of one thing of this nature, you have to act professionally and decisively. This isn’t nearly our picture; it’s about doing our job correctly.”
The military chief additionally held a separate engagement with native vigilantes and hunters supporting the operation, emphasising the necessity for enhanced collaboration.
Whereas describing the vigilantes as indispensable companions as a result of their deep information of the terrain, the Military chief stated: “If now we have folks such as you, it’s you who will work with us and supply native intelligence. You already know these forests and you’re the ones to inform us the place the criminals are.
“Your hunters ought to storm the nooks and crannies of those forests. Troopers can even be part of you. We’re relying on you to work with us to deliver lasting peace.
“What these evil persons are attempting to do is to scare youngsters from going to highschool. Let each man know we won’t enable that.”
He counseled the vigilantes for his or her braveness and contributions, assuring them of the navy’s full assist.
Earlier, Shaibu paid a sympathy go to to Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje, the standard ruler of Danko, and Rabi Musa Magaji and principal of the attacked college.
‘’’Through the go to, he assured the monarch and the college authorities of the navy’s unwavering resolve to rescue the women unhurt.
“We’re absolutely dedicated. We won’t relent. The security of those youngsters is a nationwide precedence, and we’re deploying each useful resource to make sure they return residence safely,” the COAS stated.
Senate asks Tinubu to order recruitment of 100,000 extra officers, males into navy
Equally, the Senate yesterday requested President Bola Tinubu to right away recruit not less than 100,000 officers and males into the navy to allow the nation consolidate its struggle towards insecurity.
It additionally resolved to arrange an advert hoc committee, made up of the related committees of Finance, Training, Defence, Military, Navy, to analyze the Protected Faculty Programme, together with funding, expenditure, and the explanations for its failure to safe colleges within the nation.
Resolutions of the Senate have been sequel to an pressing movement sponsored by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, APC, Kebbi North.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, stated no nation was freed from crime, not even the USA, however careworn the necessity for synergy and collaboration, irrespective of faith, if the problem of insecurity have to be nipped within the bud.
Akpabio stated: “We sympathise with the households of the victims, the vice-principal who was killed and the schoolchildren now in captivity. Nigeria is a big nation of 36 states and the FCT.
‘’Our safety companies are overstretched. Even throughout elections, we can not put up one policeman per polling unit. Terrorists typically strike in areas which are tough to foretell.
“No nation is freed from crime, not even the USA. However our accountability is to make legal guidelines, move motions, and take choices that cut back crime to the barest minimal. Crime is crime; it doesn’t belong to any administration.
“We urge the armed forces and all Nigerians with helpful data to help in securing the discharge of those youngsters and guaranteeing justice for the victims. Distinguished colleagues, allow us to now rise to look at a one-minute silence in honour of these affected.
Earlier in his presentation of the movement, Senator Abdullahi had stated: “I rise to attract the eye of this chamber to the heinous actions of prison terrorist teams that attacked the Authorities Ladies’ Complete Secondary Faculty in Maga, positioned in Danko-Wasagu Native Authorities Space, Kebbi State, in addition to in Kebbi South district.
“Regardless of some police presence, which proved inadequate, the terrorists invaded the college, abducting 25 younger ladies, killing the vice-principal, and wounding the principal.
“Such kidnapping of schoolgirls is a slap within the face of our nation. The continued assaults by terrorist teams on academic establishments not solely undermine the standard of schooling but in addition discourage mother and father from sending their youngsters to highschool.
‘’Sadly, this isn’t unprecedented. In 2022, the same assault occurred in one other authorities secondary college in Kebbi, and it took 4 lengthy years for the women to be safely recovered.
“I’m deeply harm by this recurring menace. The terrorisation of our college students, youngsters, and academic establishments should cease instantly. Safety measures beforehand taken, together with non permanent college closures within the affected areas, weren’t sufficient to forestall this newest assault.
“I urge the federal authorities and all safety companies to take quick motion to rescue the kidnapped ladies and apprehend the terrorists accountable. Whereas we pray for the swift restoration of the wounded principal, I additionally request this distinguished Senate to look at a minute silence in honour of the deceased vice-principal.
“This assault will not be solely a tragedy for Kebbi State but in addition a wake-up name for the complete nation. A rustic that can’t safe its youngsters can not fulfill its obligations to its residents. I enchantment to the President and all safety companies to depart no stone unturned in guaranteeing the secure restoration of the women and the punishment of the perpetrators.’’
In his contribution, Senator Sani Musa, APC, Niger East stated “whereas we commend the armed forces for his or her efforts, the reality is that they’re overwhelmed.
‘’With a inhabitants exceeding 230 million and solely 177,000 personnel, it’s inconceivable to cowl each space, particularly forests and distant areas.
“We should rethink our method. Conventional rulers, communities, and people should play a proactive position. We have to determine and expose these answerable for these crimes, at each stage, and guarantee accountability.
‘’Each Nigerian should take the legislation significantly and accomplice with the federal government and safety companies. Repeating motions and committees with out motion has led to repeated tragedies. It’s time for a collective nationwide effort to safe our youngsters and communities.
Additionally in his contribution, the Senate Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Munguno, APC, Borno North, stated: “ I rise to precise my deep concern over the kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, a reprehensible act that calls for a powerful response from this parliament.
‘’As representatives entrusted with the mandate of the folks, it’s our accountability to sentence such crimes in unison and name for quick motion.’’
On his half, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, APC, Osun East, stated: “I additionally rise on this tragic matter. I hope the women are launched safely, and as shortly as potential, to keep away from a repeat of the Chibok tragedy.
“Nonetheless, this recurring criminality is changing into normalised in our society. Safety forces, military, air drive, and police—seem to function in silos, which hinders efficient coordination. ‘’The rising wave of kidnappings requires collective motion from all Nigerians, not simply the navy, to demand accountability and implement self-discipline. Clear targets and timelines have to be set to eradicate these prison networks.’’
In his contribution, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, APC, Cross River South, stated: “It is a heartbreaking and gut-wrenching tragedy. Schoolchildren, who go to highschool to be taught and develop themselves and their communities, are not secure.
“The Senate should move a decision that calls for decisive motion from safety companies, offering all needed assets, but in addition setting clear ultimatums and penalties for failure.’’
US lawmaker condemns Kebbi college abduction
Reacting to the kidnapping, United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, in a put up shared on X yesterday, condemned the incident and referred to as for prayers for the victims. “Please be part of me in praying for the 25 ladies who’ve been kidnapped and for the repose of the soul of their vice principal, who was killed.
“Whereas we don’t have all the small print on this horrific assault, we all know that the assault occurred in a Christian enclave in Northern Nigeria. The Nigerian authorities should do extra to finish the rampant violence,’’ he wrote.
UNICEF requires stronger safety of youngsters
In the identical vein, the United Nations Youngsters Fund, UNICEF, additionally condemned the schoolgirls’ abduction, and referred to as for stronger safety of youngsters within the nation.
The company stated in an announcement issued yesterday: ‘’This tragic incident is one more stark reminder of the pressing want to guard youngsters, colleges and the personnel they depend upon to be taught safely
‘’We stand with the affected group at this tough time, our heartfelt condolences go to those that have misplaced their family members, and we want a full restoration for these injured.
‘’College students, schooling services and their personnel must be protected below worldwide legislation from any type of assault, and people answerable for this incident have to be held to account in accordance with nationwide and worldwide requirements.
‘’In 2015, the Nigerian authorities endorsed the Protected Colleges Declaration, which outlines concrete steps to safeguard the civilian nature of colleges and universities to make sure secure entry of scholars to schooling throughout battle.
‘’UNICEF calls on all related stakeholders to proceed efforts to implement the Protected Colleges Declaration in Nigeria.
‘’UNICEF is working with authorities companions, civil society and communities to strengthen little one safety techniques and promote secure and inclusive studying environments throughout the nation.
‘’These techniques and environments have to be bolstered to forestall future tragedies. No little one must be put in danger whereas pursuing an schooling.
I’m saddened by abduction of 25 college students in Kebbi — Mrs Tinubu
In her response, the First Girl, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday expressed unhappiness over the kidnapping of the scholars, describing the kidnapping as an assault on the values of security and studying that colleges embodied.
Mrs. Tinubu in a message, begged God to grant fast rescue to the kidnapped ladies and likewise grant a peaceable repose to the soul of the departed vice principal.
The message learn: “I’m deeply saddened by the information of the kidnapping of the 25 college students of the Authorities Ladies Complete Secondary Faculty, Maga, Kebbi State and the tragic killing of the Vice Principal.
“This heartbreaking incident will not be solely an assault on harmless ladies and devoted educators, but in addition an assault on the values of security and studying that colleges embody.
“Mr President has already ordered our safety companies to make sure the fast and secure return of the kidnapped ladies and to deliver the perpetrators to justice.” The First Girl stated her coronary heart and prayers have been with the households, pals, family members and schoolmates at the moment.
“I pray almighty God grants fast rescue to the kidnapped ladies and will the soul of the departed Vice Principal relaxation in Aljannah Firdaus.’’
NANS seeks pressing rescue of victims
The Nationwide Affiliation of Nigerian College students, NANS, in its response yesterday, referred to as for the pressing rescue of the kidnapped college students.
Based on the affiliation, the truth that the dastardly act occurred on a day put aside globally as Worldwide College students’ Day, forged a gloom on the actions it had deliberate to mark the day. In an announcement by the Nationwide President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, NANS appealed to the federal government and different stakeholders within the sector to halt the ugly pattern of assaults on colleges nationwide.
“The Nationwide Affiliation of Nigerian College students, NANS, is deeply shattered and inconsolably heartbroken by the devastating information of the assault on Authorities Ladies Complete Secondary Faculty, Maga, in Kebbi State, the place armed assailants invaded the college premises at daybreak, and brutally killed the Vice Principal, Mr. Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and kidnapped 25 harmless feminine college students.
“The tragic incident, which occurred November 17, 2025, a day globally devoted to celebrating ‘Worldwide College students’ Day’, put aside for the celebration of scholars’ resilience, and the long run they signify, has damaged us past measure.
“Because the apex college students’ physique in Nigeria, we had meticulously designed the 2025 Worldwide College students Day Celebration as a second of honour, hope, and educational excellence, by no means imagining it will be overshadowed by such darkness.
“For this 12 months’s occasion, NANS deliberate particular nationwide recognitions and awards for wonderful scholar efficiency, together with: N100,000 money prize award for 10 finest college students in every college of the College of Abuja, a laptop computer prize for finest performing college students within the 2025 WAEC, NECO, and JAMB examinations. A N200,000 money award for the Nigerian scholar who emerged winner of the TeenEagle Worldwide English Language Competitors.”
NANS famous that the kidnapping of the women had reopened deep wounds within the nation’s reminiscence.
“We recall with ache the previous tragedies: The mass kidnapping of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State (2014); recurring scholar abductions in Katsina, Niger, Yobe and Kaduna States, together with the mass kidnapping in Kuriga, Kagara, Dapchi the place scores of college youngsters have been taken.’’
The put up Shettima heads to Kebbi as Tinubu vows rescue of kidnapped college students appeared first on Vanguard Information.
