VP SHETTIMA CONVEYS TINUBU’S SYMPATHY, VOWS RESCUE OF ABDUCTED KEBBI SCHOOLGIRLS

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured families of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deeply troubled by the incident and vowed to deploy every instrument of state to ensure their safe return and bring the culprits to justice. Shettima made this commitment during a visit to Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, acting on the directive of President Tinubu.

In a statement, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha said that the Vice President described the abduction from the boarding school in Maga as an assault on the collective conscience of all Nigerians. Shettima extended President Tinubu’s sympathy, stating, “Kebbi’s pain is Nigeria’s pain. When one child is taken, every home in this nation grieves. When girls in the safety of their classroom are seized by criminals, our collective conscience is assaulted. Mr President is deeply troubled by this tragedy. He shares your anguish, and he has sent me to assure you that this is not a moment for politics. This grief transcends party lines, geography, and identity. This is a time for unity, for compassion, and for firm resolve in the face of evil. Our priority is singular and unflinching: our daughters must return home safely.”

Nkwocha reported that Shettima assured the families that their tears, fears, and cries are a stain on Nigeria’s collective conscience, and the nation shall not turn away from this responsibility. “This government will not relent. We will use every instrument of the state to bring these girls home and to ensure that the perpetrators of this wickedness face the full weight of justice. Kebbi, you are not alone. Nigeria stands with you. And we shall not rest until your daughters return to your warm embrace,” the Vice President vowed. The statement also highlighted that Shettima promised federal government support for families of the late Brigadier-General Musa Uba, the late Vice Principal, and others killed by terror groups. “We also honour the ultimate sacrifice made by some of our brave officers. To the family of the late Brigadier-General Musa Uba, we say: his sacrifice will never be forgotten. When a soldier gives his life in defence of this nation, a part of our collective soul is touched. We will honour him, his family, and all who pay the supreme price in service to Nigeria,” Shettima said.

Nkwocha noted that the Vice President applauded Governor Muhammed Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, community leaders, traditional rulers, local vigilante groups, civil society partners, and all stakeholders for rallying together in the moment of distress. Shettima emphasized that their cooperation, vigilance, and unity are indispensable to the search for the girls and community safety. Additionally, Shettima commended the gallant officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and all paramilitary and intelligence agencies for their gallantry, tirelessness, and sacrifices in the face of security challenges.

On his part, Governor Idris thanked President Tinubu for his support, concern, and immense leadership, expressing optimism that the kidnapped schoolgirls would soon be rescued. The Governor affirmed Kebbi State’s commitment and loyalty to the Tinubu administration, vowing continued partnership and cooperation with the Federal Government to ensure the release of the girls. The event was attended by various officials, including the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nantawe Yitwada; Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Iman Suleiman Ibrahim; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Bernard Fori; Minister of State, Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Tanko Sununu Yusuf; members of the National Assembly; members of the State House of Assembly; former Governor of Kebbi State, Usman Saidu Nasamu Dakingari; Senator Bala Ibn Na Allah; Director General of NEMA, Hajiya Zubaida Umar; Secretary to Kebbi State Government, Yakubu Bala; other members of the state Executive Council; senior government officials; and heads of military and para-military agencies.