Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s assurances to families of the abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
Speaking in Birnin Kebbi during the visit directed by Tinubu, Shettima revealed that the government ordered "every instrument of the state" to secure their release and bring the attackers to justice.
He met families of at least 25 girls taken from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in the early hours of Monday.
The attack also claimed the lives of the school’s Vice Principal, and Brig-Gen Musa Uba, who was killed separately in Borno State while fighting insurgents.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima described the abduction as "an assault on the collective conscience of all Nigerians," stressing that the incident demands unity rather than political division.
"Mr President is deeply troubled by this tragedy. He shares your anguish. Our priority is singular and unflinching: our daughters must return home safely. This grief transcends party lines, geography and identity," the Vice President told the families.
He said the pain endured by the victims’ families was shared across the country. "When girls in the safety of their classroom are seized by criminals, our collective conscience is assaulted," he added.
Shettima stated that those behind the killing of the "gallant military general" and the school’s vice principal would face justice, insisting that the government "will not relent."
"This government will use every instrument of the state to bring these girls home and ensure that the perpetrators of this wickedness face the full weight of justice. Kebbi, you are not alone. Nigeria stands with you," he said.
The Vice President also paid tribute to Brig Gen Uba, saying the fallen officer’s sacrifice "will never be forgotten. When a soldier gives his life in defence of this nation, a part of our collective soul is touched," he said.
Shettima praised Governor Mohammed Idris, community leaders, traditional rulers, vigilantes and civil society groups for coordinating with security agencies in the aftermath of the attack.
He urged stronger collaboration as search-and-rescue efforts intensify across the North-West.
"Your cooperation, vigilance and unity are indispensable to the search for our girls. Your sacrifices, often unseen and unsung, remain the backbone of our nation’s security," he said.
Governor Idris thanked the President for what he described as a swift show of support, and also pledged additional measures to enhance school security across the state.
Among those present were APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda; Deputy Governor Umar Tafida; Ministers Atiku Bagudu, Imaan Ibrahim, Bernard Doro and Tanko Yusuf Sununu; lawmakers; senior state officials; and heads of security and response agencies.
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