Federal Government Will Rescue Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls — VP Shettima

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has assured that the federal government will deploy all instruments of the state to rescue the abducted schoolgirls of Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State.

VP Shettima also assured that the killers of late Brigadier-General Musa Uba and the slain vice principal of the school were made to face the full weight of justice.

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu is deeply troubled by both tragic incidents.

The Vice President, who spoke on Wednesday while in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, on the directive of President Tinubu, described the abduction of the schoolgrirls as an assault on the collective conscience of all Nigerians.
Extending President Tinubu’s sympathy to families of the abducted schoolgirls and the state government, Senator Shettima, in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha said, “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.”

On behalf of the President, VP Shettima assured them that their tears, fears, and cries are a stain on Nigeria’s collective conscience, and that 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,” he vowed.

The Vice President promised that the federal government will support families of the late General Uba, the late Vice Principal and others who were killed by the terror groups, while doing everything possible to rescue the abducted schoolgrirls.

“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,” he stated.

Senator Shettima applauded the Governor of Kebbi State, Muhammed Nasir Idris, community leaders, traditional rulers, local vigilante groups, civil society partners, and all stakeholders for rallying together in the moment of distress.

“Your cooperation, your vigilance, and your unity are indispensable to the search for our girls and to the safety of our communities,” he said.

He also 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 in the face of security challenges confronting the nation.

“Your courage, your tirelessness, and your sacrifices—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. The nation appreciates you,” told them.

For his part, the Governor Idris thanked Tinubu for the show of support, concern and immense leadership.

He revealed the the President had been in touch with the state government since the incidents occurred, noting that with the commitment and efforts of the government, he was optimistic that the kidnapped schoolgirls would soon be rescued.

“We, in Kebbi, are most touched by the show of concern and deepened actions being taking to rescue our girls. I am optimistic that they will be rescued. It is a painful experience but we also will ensure that we put all in place to avert any of such future occurrence,” Governor Idris said.

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