First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has reacted to the abduction of 25 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State and the killing of the school’s vice principal.
The incident occurred on Monday when a group of armed attackers invaded the school.
Police said the gang engaged security personnel on duty in a gun duel before scaling the perimeter fence and taking the students from their hostel.
A teacher was killed while trying to protect the girls and another sustained gunshot wounds and is receiving treatment.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, described locally as bandits, arrived firing into the air to create panic before the abduction.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mrs Tinubu said she received the news with concern for the affected families and the entire school community.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the abduction of the 25 students of the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State and the tragic killing of the Vice Principal,” she said.
She noted that the incident raised questions about the safety of schools in the region and the ongoing efforts to protect students and teachers.
“This incident is not only an attack on innocent girls and dedicated educators, but an assault on the values of safety and learning that schools embody,” she added.
Mrs Tinubu explained that President Bola Tinubu had directed security agencies to intensify efforts to locate the missing students and apprehend those responsible.
“Mr President has already ordered our security agencies to ensure the quick and safe return of the abducted girls and to bring the perpetrators to justice,” she said.
She also extended her support to families and members of the school community affected by the incident.
“My heart and prayers are with the families, friends, loved ones and schoolmates at this time,” she noted.
Mrs Tinubu called for the safe rescue of the students and offered prayers for the deceased school official.
“I pray Almighty God grants quick rescue to the abducted girls and may the soul of the departed Vice Principal rest in Aljannah Firdaus,” she said.
Authorities in Kebbi State and federal security agencies have not yet released new information on the rescue efforts.
