KEY POINTS
-
Stronger community vigilance for school safety is needed in high-risk areas.
-
The school safety focus guides the government’s security directives.
-
Officials highlight school safety as a priority in intelligence-sharing.
President Bola Tinubu has instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State on Wednesday for a solidarity mission following the abduction of schoolgirls from a boarding school in Maga by gunmen. The Presidency announced that the visit will enable the Federal Government to convey condolences to the state, engage with the relatives of the missing kids, and reaffirm its dedication to ensuring the children’s release.
Stronger community vigilance for school safety
Tinubu extended condolences to the Nigerian military following the fatalities of numerous soldiers, including Brigadier-General Musa Uba, during an engagement with rebels in Borno State. The loss of the cops serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers encountered by those endeavoring to ensure national safety.
The Presidency stated that the President was provided with comprehensive briefings from security leaders regarding both occurrences. Tinubu expressed concern that the abduction transpired despite intelligence inputs indicating a potential bandit assault in the vicinity.
Tinubu characterized the abduction as an assault on the community and a hindrance to national initiatives aimed at safeguarding education in regions susceptible to criminal organizations.
He stated that security organizations necessitate enhanced support from civilians to operate efficiently. Tinubu implored community leaders, traditional rulers, vigilante organizations, and people to furnish reliable information that could assist in identifying the assailants and averting future assaults.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am profoundly saddened by the unfortunate fatalities of our soldiers and officers while fulfilling their sacred duty. “May God provide solace to the families of Brigadier-General Musa Uba and our other deceased heroes, and may their valor perpetually inspire the nation,” stated Tinubu.
School safety focus on security response
He stated that the abduction of schoolgirls is particularly disturbing. Tinubu stated that society cannot tolerate circumstances where children’s education is hindered by violent and profit-driven criminal organizations. He stated that he has instructed security agencies to allocate all requisite resources to guarantee the safe recovery and repatriation of the ladies to Kebbi State.
According to The Guardian, Tinubu reiterated that his administration intends to sustain pressure on armed factions nationwide. He stated that current security reforms, encompassing increased recruiting, new equipment, and the implementation of contemporary technologies, aim to enhance national capacity to address insurgency, banditry, and other dangers.
Our security personnel cannot effectively safeguard us without the cooperation of the populace in sharing information that will enhance community safety. I implore community leaders and fellow citizens, particularly those in active operational areas, to disseminate pertinent information. “Your collaboration is essential for addressing these security challenges,” he stated.
