President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the release of the 24 schoolgirls abducted by terrorists in Maga, Kebbi State, describing their return as a major relief while urging security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue all remaining victims still in captivity.
The schoolgirls were kidnapped at dawn on November 17 after terrorists stormed their school just moments after a military detachment had left the premises. The incident sparked a chain of copycat abductions in Eruku, Kwara State, and Papiri in Niger State.
All 38 victims abducted in Eruku were freed on Sunday, while authorities in Niger State confirmed that 50 missing students of a Catholic school had been found safe in their parents’ homes.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended the security forces for their coordinated efforts that led to the various rescues.
“I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for. Now, we must put as a matter of urgency more boots on the ground in the vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping. My government will offer all the assistance needed to achieve this,” the President said.
He charged the security agencies not to relent until every abducted citizen still held by terrorists is safely returned to their families.
The President also reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security architecture nationwide to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
