President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State on Wednesday following the abduction of students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga.

The visit, according to the Presidency, is to commiserate with the state government and reassure families that ongoing security operations will ensure the swift rescue of the kidnapped schoolgirls.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the directive in a statement on Tuesday.

The President also extended condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces over the death of several personnel, including Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was killed in Borno State while leading troops against insurgents.

“As Commander-in-Chief, I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of our soldiers on active duty. May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other fallen heroes,” Tinubu said.

He condemned the attack on the Kebbi school, describing it as a “disruption of the education of innocent girls,” and directed security agencies to act immediately to rescue the students.

Tinubu commended Governor Nasir Idris for efforts made to prevent the abduction but expressed concern over the security breach that allowed the assailants to take the girls from their dormitories.

He called for stronger community cooperation with security agencies, especially in vulnerable areas.

“Our security forces cannot succeed without the support of local communities. I urge citizens and community leaders to share intelligence that can assist in the fight against insecurity,” he said.

The attack occurred late Sunday after gunmen reportedly invaded the school staff quarters before moving to the hostel. The school’s Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, was shot dead while attempting to shield the students.

According to witnesses, the attackers met little resistance, causing panic across the community. Police spokesman Nafiu Abubakar confirmed the incident, saying police tactical teams, soldiers and vigilante groups had been deployed, while operatives continue to comb nearby forests for the victims and their abductors.

Governor Idris, through his Chief Press Secretary Ahmed Idris, said Deputy Governor Umar Tafida had been sent to the area to assess the situation. The governor, who is currently out of the state, is receiving continuous security updates.

Residents are mourning Makuku, whose attempt to defend the girls cost him his life, while anxious parents wait for news of the search operations.

Images from the school premises show deserted hostels, scattered belongings and empty bunk beds, reflecting the chaos left behind after the late-night attack.