President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the Kebbi schoolgirls release, describing it as a major relief for families and communities affected by recent attacks on schools.
The 24 girls were freed days after terrorists abducted them from their school in Maga, Kebbi State, in an incident that shocked many Nigerians.
Their abduction occurred early on November 17, only moments after a military team left the premises, creating fresh concerns about safety gaps in vulnerable communities.
The Presidency confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
According to the statement, the release comes at a time when similar kidnappings have been reported in other states, creating widespread fear among parents and teachers.
Moreover, Tinubu noted that the trend must not be allowed to spread any further.
In addition, the President highlighted that all 38 abducted victims in the Eruku community of Kwara State had been freed on Sunday.
Meanwhile, in Niger State, 50 students earlier declared missing from a Catholic school in Papiri have been reunited with their families.
These incidents have drawn national attention to the rising cases of kidnappings targeting schools across several regions.
President Tinubu praised security agencies for their recent breakthroughs and urged them to intensify rescue efforts where victims remain in captivity.
“I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for. Now, we must urgently deploy more boots on the ground in vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping. My government will offer all the assistance needed to achieve this,” he said.
His message stressed the need for stronger surveillance and quicker response systems around schools.
Furthermore, the Federal Government renewed its commitment to protecting students and communities at risk of extremist attacks.
Officials explained that ongoing operations will be reinforced to prevent similar tragedies.
Therefore, security around schools is expected to become a major focus in the coming weeks.
