Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security forces to spare no effort in rescuing students and teachers abducted from schools in Kuriga, Kaduna State, according to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Shettima revealed the President’s directive during a visit to Kaduna on Saturday, where he met with Governor Uba Sani, security chiefs, traditional rulers, and parents of the abducted pupils from Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School in Chikun Local Government Area.
“The President was personally pained by this incident and has instructed security agencies to leave no stone unturned until our children are returned safely,” Shettima told the somber gathering.
He said Tinubu, who is personally pained by the unfortunate incident, is in constant communication with the governor and security forces, underscoring the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis.
“I am here at the behest of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to empathise, to solidarize with the government and people of Kaduna over the sad incident of the kidnapping of our school kids. The President was personally pained by what happened and he has instructed the security agencies to leave no stone unturned until we return our kids to their parents.
The Vice President appealed for discretion in media reporting to avoid jeopardizing rescue efforts. “You are stakeholders in the Nigeria project; let us be selective in our choice of reporting for the interest of our children,” he stated.
“He (President) is in regular contact with the governor of Kaduna State. Today, so far, he has spoken with the governor four times; he has spoken with me three times about the rescue of the kids.
“But as rightly captured by His Excellency, discretion is better. I will align with His Excellency and appeal to our friends in the media. You are all stakeholders in the Nigeria project; let us be very selective in our choice of reporting for the interest of our kids who are not currently with us.
“Once again, on behalf of my principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, please, accept our heartfelt sympathy over the travails that have befallen our people. Be rest assured that the President is equal to the tasks. The very essence of the existence of government is to secure the lives and property of the citizenry.
“He has tasked the entire security architecture in the country to go all out and get back our kids safely.”
Here’s a rewrite of those lines:
Taking the floor earlier, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his empathy and the ongoing efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims.
Sani corroborated that the President, Vice President, and security agencies have maintained close coordination with the state government from the moment this tragic incident unfolded.
While appreciative of Vice President Shettima’s solidarity visit, the governor sounded a note of caution against any attempts to politicize the crisis. He urged that the paramount focus must remain on the wellbeing of the captives and the anguish of their loved ones.
Governor Sani thanked Tinubu for his concern and expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration between federal authorities and the state government. However, he cautioned against politicizing the incident, stressing that securing the victims’ release should be the paramount priority.
“What is important is the safe return of the children, and we cannot allow anyone to jeopardize their safety,” Sani stated, urging the media to act as “partners in ridding society of criminal elements instead of resorting to sensationalism.”
The Etsu Chukun, the traditional ruler of the area, appealed for increased security presence and called for fencing of schools to enhance safety.
Details surrounding the abduction remain unclear as authorities maintain operational secrecy. However, the President’s directive underscores the government’s determination to resolve the crisis and ensure the students’ and teachers’ safe return.
