By Desire Emmanuel
President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the release of the 24 schoolgirls abducted by terrorists in Government Comprehensive Girls’ College, Maga, Kebbi State, on November 17.
The president also charged the security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue others still in captivity.
This was contained in a statement issued by Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Tinubu expressed relief that the schoolgirls, taken shortly after a military detachment left the school premises, had been reunited with the authorities.
He stated that the Kebbi abduction had sparked copycat incidents in Eruku, Kwara State and Papiri in Niger State
All 38 the abducted victims in Eruku were freed on Sunday, while the Niger Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), had confirmed that 50 of the missing students from a Catholic School in the state had returned home.
The president commended the security agencies for their efforts so far, urging them to intensify operations to free those still held.
“I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for.
“Now, we must put as a matter of urgency more boots on the ground in the vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping.
”My government will offer all the assistance needed to achieve this,” Tinubu vowed.
It will be recalled that authorities in Kebbi State on Tuesday evening confirmed that the 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, have been rescued by security agencies.
Security forces and local officials were said to have carried out the operation, and early reports indicate all the girls are safe.
