Shettima Storms Kebbi, Delivers Tinubu’s Directive as Hunt Intensifies for Abducted Schoolgirls

|By Chinwendu Nwani

• VP meets grieving families, vows swift action against abductors
• Security forces flood forests as nation mourns fallen school official

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday touched down in Birnin Kebbi, launching a high-level intervention after the abduction of students of Government Girls Secondary School, Maga.

His aircraft landed at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, where he was received by top state officials before proceeding to meet families of the kidnapped girls. Shettima’s visit followed a direct order from President Bola Tinubu, who dispatched him to deliver a personal message of solidarity and obtain a full briefing on the unfolding security situation.

Accompanied by the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, and other senior officials, the Vice President pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of the girls.

The tragic raid on the school claimed the life of Vice Principal Malam Hassan Makuku, who was reportedly killed while trying to stop the gunmen from whisking the students away. His bravery has drawn nationwide commendation.

In a renewed push, the police announced that a combined tactical team has been deployed to comb dense forest routes believed to be used by the abductors.

President Tinubu, who strongly condemned the attack and sympathised with affected families, has also postponed his official trips to South Africa and Angola to focus on the rescue operation and national security response.