President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, along with other soldiers, in Borno State.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Wednesday, the President said, “I am heartbroken by the abduction of our daughters in Kebbi and the painful loss of Brigadier General Musa Uba and the brave soldiers who fell in Borno. Their families and the families of the kidnapped schoolgirls are in my prayers.”
As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Tinubu described the deaths of the soldiers as a “tragic loss” and called for comfort for the bereaved families.
He also condemned the abduction of the schoolgirls, stating, “I am deeply distressed that heartless terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls. I have directed the security agencies to act swiftly and bring the girls back to Kebbi State.”
The President further acknowledged a rise in violent extremism across the country, adding that he has instructed security agencies to respond with “urgency, clarity, and decisive action.” He emphasized that the cooperation of communities is critical, noting, “Sharing information can save lives and protect our children.”
Warning the perpetrators, Tinubu said, “Those who threaten the safety of our citizens will face the full weight of the Nigerian state.”
The abductions occurred in the early hours of Monday, when gunmen stormed the dormitory of the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, Kebbi State. During the raid, the attackers killed the school’s vice principal and a security guard before fleeing with 25 students. One of the girls reportedly escaped, as hunters and security forces continue the search for the remaining students.
Separately, Brigadier General Musa Uba, commander of the Nigerian Army’s 25 Task Force Brigade based in Damboa, Borno State, was ambushed and captured by militants from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) last Friday during a convoy operation near Wajiroko village. The jihadist group later claimed responsibility for his execution along with other captured soldiers. Tinubu’s statement confirmed Uba’s death, describing him as one of the “brave soldiers who fell in Borno.”
