President Bola Tinubu on Monday welcomed the safe return of the 24 schoolgirls abducted last week in Maga, Kebbi State, calling their release a significant relief and praising the “tireless efforts” of security operatives.
Dawn Abduction Sparks Copycat Attacks
The girls were seized at dawn on November 17, shortly after a military detachment reportedly left the school premises. Their kidnapping triggered a spate of similar incidents, including attacks in Eruku, Kwara State, and Papiri in Niger State.
Other Victims Regain Freedom
In Eruku, all 38 abducted individuals were freed on Sunday. That same day, the Niger State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria announced that 50 students missing from a Catholic school in the state had been located in their parents’ homes.
President Tinubu Calls for Heightened Security
Commending security agencies, President Tinubu urged them to intensify rescue efforts for the remaining students still in captivity.
“I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for,” he said. “Now, we must, as a matter of urgency, deploy more boots on the ground in vulnerable areas to prevent further kidnappings. My government will provide all necessary support to achieve this.”
