President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the release of the schoolgirls abducted during last week’s attack on Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
His assurance was conveyed on Wednesday by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a condolence visit to the state.
Shettima, who arrived at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi alongside the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, described the abduction as a tragic violation that has shaken the nation.
He noted that President Tinubu had directed security agencies to deploy every available resource to ensure the girls are brought home safely.
The vice president commended troops and other security operatives for what he called their “unwavering sacrifice,” adding that the President’s foremost concern is the safe return of the children.
Shettima also paid tribute to Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was killed during security operations linked to the incident.
He announced that both Uba and the school’s late vice principal, Hassan Makuku—who reportedly attempted to shield the students from the gunmen—would be formally honoured for their service and bravery.
Governor Nasir Idris, receiving the federal delegation, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the swift intervention.
He said the state government is reinforcing federal efforts by improving logistics and providing an enabling environment for ongoing security operations.
Three days after the raid—which left Vice Principal Makuku dead and several students missing—local authorities have made public the names of the abducted schoolgirls.
The Chairman of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, Hussaini Aliyu, released the list as follows:
Senior Secondary School 2A
1. Fatima Sani Zimri
2. Hafsat Ibrahim
3. Nana Firdausi Jibril
4. Masauda Yakubu Romo
Senior Secondary School 2B
5. Hauwa Saleh
6. Hauwau Umar Imam
Senior Secondary School 3A & 3B
7. Salima Garba Umar
8. Salima Sani Zimri
9. Amina G. Umar
10. Rashida Muhammad Dingu
11. Saliha Umar
12. Aisha Usman
13. Jamila Iliyasu
14. Maryam Illiyasu
15. Najaatu Abdullahi
16. Zainab Kolo
Junior Secondary School 3A
17. Surraya Tukur
18. Hafsat Umar Yalmo
19. Maryam Usman
20. Amina Illiyasu
21. Ikilima Suleman
Junior Secondary School 2
22. Khadija Nazifi
23. Hauwa’u Iliyasu
24. Hauwa’u Lawali
25. Ummu Kulsum Abdulkarim
The attack triggered widespread condemnation across Nigeria and beyond.
Local officials confirmed that Kebbi’s affected communities remain on high alert as security agencies broaden their search operations across forests and border routes.
Chairman Aliyu also dismissed remarks made by U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore, who suggested the abduction occurred in a Christian-majority area.
Aliyu insisted the claim was inaccurate, stressing that the kidnapped girls are all Muslims.
He urged international commentators to avoid unverified statements that could inflame religious or ethnic tensions.
In the wake of the Kebbi abduction and a separate violent incident in Eruku, Kwara State, President Tinubu has postponed scheduled trips to South Africa for the G20 Leaders’ Summit and Angola for the AU-EU Summit.
The presidency said his decision reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for his direct oversight of national security responses.
