Mr. Shettima promises that the government will utilize all state resources to make sure those responsible are subjected to the full extent o...
Mr. Shettima promises that the government will utilize all state resources to make sure those responsible are subjected to the full extent of legal consequences.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has given assurance to families of theschoolgirls taken from Kebbi State, as well as the perpetrators of the late Brigadier-General Musa Uba and the late Vice Principal of the school, which President Bola Tinubu is deeply troubled by the tragic events.
He pledged that the government will utilize every available tool of the state to save the schoolchildren and ensure that those responsible for their abduction, as well as the killers of the brave military general and the vice principal, are held fully accountable under the law.
The vice president, speaking on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State, as instructed by President Tinubu, called the kidnapping of the schoolgirls from the Maga boarding school an attack on the shared sense of morality of all Nigerians.
On Tuesday evening, the president requested the vice president to travel to the state in order to express solidarity with the state government and provide reassurance to parents and guardians of the abducted schoolgirls that the government is committed to their swift return.
Expressing his condolences to the families of the kidnapped schoolgirls and the state government, Mr. Shettima stated, "Kebbi's sorrow is Nigeria's sorrow. When a child is taken, every household in this country mourns. When girls are abducted from the security of their classrooms by criminals, our shared sense of morality is violated."
The President is profoundly distressed by this tragedy. He empathizes with your pain and has asked me to inform you that this is not a time for political debates. This sorrow goes beyond political affiliations, regions, and personal identities. It is a moment for solidarity, kindness, and strong determination against evil. Our main focus is clear and unwavering: our daughters must come back home safely.
On behalf of the President, VP Shettima told them that their tears, fears, and cries are a mark on Nigeria's shared conscience, and that the country "will not ignore this duty."
"This administration will not stop. We will employ all tools of the state to retrieve these girls and make sure those responsible for this evil are held fully accountable. Kebbi, you are not by yourself. Nigeria is with you. And we will not cease until your daughters come back into your loving arms," he pledged.
The vice president pledged that the federal government will assist the families of the late General Uba, the late vice principal, and others who were killed by extremist groups, while making every effort to rescue the kidnapped schoolgirls.
"We also pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifice of some of our courageous officers. To the family of the late Brigadier-General Musa Uba, we express: his sacrifice will remain unforgettable. When a soldier loses his life while protecting this country, a piece of our shared spirit is affected. We will remember him, his family, and everyone who gives the highest price in service to Nigeria," he said.
Mr. Shettima commended the Governor of Kebbi State, Muhammed Idris, community leaders, traditional authorities, local security groups, civil society collaborators, and all involved parties for uniting during the time of crisis.
"Your support, your alertness, and your togetherness are essential in finding our girls and ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods," he stated.
He also praised the brave officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and all paramilitary and intelligence agencies for their courage in dealing with the security issues facing the country.
"Your bravery, your relentless efforts, and your sacrifices—frequently unnoticed and unacknowledged—continue to be the foundation of our country's safety. You are at the forefront so that others can rest with optimism. The country recognizes your contributions," he said.
On his part, the Governor of Kebbi State expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the demonstration of support, care, and strong leadership.
He mentioned that, since the incidents occurred, the president had been in contact with the state authorities, highlighting that, with the government's dedication and work, he remained hopeful that the abducted schoolgirls would be freed soon.
Governor Idris specifically expressed gratitude to Vice President Shettima for his demonstration of interest, while also reaffirming the state's dedication and loyalty to the Tinubu administration, promising ongoing collaboration with the Federal Government to facilitate the girls' release.
We, in Kebbi, are deeply moved by the demonstration of care and the increased efforts being made to save our girls. I remain hopeful that they will be brought back. It is a difficult situation, but we will also take all necessary steps to prevent such incidents from happening again.
"We express our gratitude to the President, who is effectively represented by our own Vice President. We thank you for your attention and the behind-the-scenes communications and actions taken so far. We sincerely appreciate you, sir," said the Governor.
Also in attendance at the event were the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nantawe Yitwada; the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Umar Tafida; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; the Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Ibrahim; the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Fori, and the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Tanko Yusuf.
Some are members of the National Assembly; members of the State House of Assembly; former Governor of Kebbi State, Usman Dakingari; Bala Ibn Na Allah; Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar; Secretary to the Kebbi State Government, Yakubu Bala; other members of the state Executive Council; senior government officials, along with leaders of the military and paramilitary forces.
Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Presidential Media and Communications Adviser
(Vice President's Office)
19th November, 2025
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Tagged: Nigeria, Governance, Legal and Judicial Affairs, Children and Youth, West Africa
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