Nigeria’s Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s “deep anguish” over the abduction of schoolgirls from a boarding school in Maga, Kebbi State, as well as the killing of Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba and the school’s vice principal.

Speaking in Birnin Kebbi on behalf of the President, Shettima described the attack as “an assault on the collective conscience of all Nigerians,” and assured parents that the Federal Government would deploy every available resource to secure the safe return of the girls and bring the perpetrators to justice.

A statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, quoted Shettima as saying, “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.”

He added that President Tinubu was “deeply troubled” by the tragedy and emphasised the need for unity and collective resolve: “This is not a moment for politics… This is a time for unity, compassion, and firm resolve in the face of evil.”

“Our Daughters Must Return Home Safely”

Assuring families of the abducted students, Shettima promised that the government would not relent until the girls are reunited with their loved ones.

“Your tears, your fears, and your cries are a stain on our collective conscience. This government will not relent. We will use every instrument of the state to bring these girls home and ensure the perpetrators face the full weight of justice,” he vowed.

He also paid tribute to Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba and the slain vice principal, praising their sacrifice.
“When a soldier gives his life in defence of the nation, a part of our collective soul is touched. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Kebbi Governor Expresses Gratitude

Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Muhammad Nasir Idris, thanked President Tinubu for his swift engagement following the attack, noting that the President had been in continuous communication with him.

“We in Kebbi are most touched by the show of concern and the intensified efforts being taken to rescue our girls. I am optimistic that they will be rescued,” he said.

He pledged the state’s full cooperation with the Federal Government to facilitate the rescue operation and prevent future attacks.

Commendation for Security Forces and Community Leaders

Shettima also commended the Armed Forces, security agencies, vigilantes, traditional rulers, community leaders and civil society organisations for rallying in response to the tragedy.

“Your courage and tirelessness — often unseen and unsung — remain the backbone of our nation’s security. You stand on the frontlines so that the rest of us may sleep with hope,” he said.

Senior government officials, ministers, lawmakers, security chiefs, and APC National Chairman Prof. Nantawe Yitwada were present during the visit.

The Vice President’s visit follows Monday’s early morning raid on the Maga boarding school in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, during which gunmen killed the vice principal and abducted at least two dozen students. The attack reflects an ongoing pattern of school kidnappings across northern Nigeria, including the 2021 Birnin Yauri abductions in Kebbi State.