ABUJA, NIGERIA — President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, issued a solemn address Tuesday, condemning the recent abduction of schoolgirls and the deadly attack on military personnel. The President vowed that those who jeopardize the safety of citizens “will face the full weight of the Nigerian state.”
In a dual approach to the crises, President Tinubu immediately dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to Kebbi State. The Vice President is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday to offer government condolences, sympathize with the state government, and personally assure the parents and guardians of the kidnapped schoolgirls that their quick and safe return is the government’s top priority.
The President also extended heartfelt condolences to the military, mourning the death of gallant soldiers, including Brigadier General Musa Uba, who paid the ultimate price while actively fighting insurgents in Borno State.
Following comprehensive briefings from military authorities on both the Borno attack and the Kebbi abduction, President Tinubu expressed deep disappointment over the security breach in Maga, Kebbi State, particularly since intelligence warnings had indicated the possibility of a bandit strike. Despite the outcome, the President commended Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris for the efforts made to avert the kidnapping.
Integrating his emotional distress with firm policy directives, the President stated:
“As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am depressed with the tragic death of our soldiers and officers on active duty. May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other fallen heroes.”
“I am also depressed that heartless terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls. I have directed the security agencies to act swiftly and bring the girls back to Kebbi State.”
Underscoring the necessity of public partnership, President Tinubu made a critical appeal for community cooperation in the security campaign.
“Our security forces cannot succeed in protecting us if the people don’t cooperate and share information that will help them keep our communities safe. I urge community leaders and our compatriots across the country, especially those in the theatres of operations, to share useful information. Your cooperation is crucial in our fight against these security challenges,” the President concluded.
A Call for Patriotic Resolve
The President’s address culminates in a powerful call to action for every citizen. In the face of these grave national security challenges, Nigeria’s enduring strength is rooted in its unity and shared commitment to peace. This is not just a fight for the military and security forces; it is a patriotic duty for all Nigerians to rise above fear and collaborate with authorities. We must recognize that the perpetrators—the bandits and criminals—are often people around us, not strangers. Therefore, collaboration means actively giving out information about any suspicious activity in your vicinity. To decisively end this era of insecurity, we must summon the courage to report anyone we suspect, whether they are related to us or not. Nigeria can never progress or achieve its full potential if we allow this threat to continue unchallenged. The path to a safer, more prosperous Nigeria begins with the collective resolve and unwavering spirit of its people.
Add Comment