By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Tinubu directs rescue of abducted Zamfara Varsity students
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a directive to security agencies to swiftly rescue the remaining female students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, who were tragically abducted in the early hours of Friday by terrorist assailants. Reports confirm that seven of the abducted students have been successfully rescued. The bandits had targeted three off-campus hostels, prompting a fierce engagement with Nigerian Army troops, though the culprits managed to escape with their victims.
President Tinubu, in a statement conveyed by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, unequivocally condemned the “reprehensible act of abduction,” emphasizing that there exists no moral justification for such heinous crimes against students seeking quality education. He extended his heartfelt condolences to all families directly affected by this distressing incident, reiterating his administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding every Nigerian citizen.
Tinubu further assured the families of the abducted students that every effort would be exerted to ensure their secure return, aligning with the steadfast dedication of his administration. He pledged the federal government’s resolute determination to uphold educational institutions as bastions of knowledge, growth, and opportunity, impervious to the menacing acts of terrorists.
In the wake of the incident, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) voiced concerns over the threat posed to girl-child education in northern Nigeria. It called upon the federal government to recalibrate its security framework and implement comprehensive strategies to combat security challenges facing schools and communities. ACF urged the authorities to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safe release of the abducted students.
Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, urged Nigerian authorities to employ all lawful means and intensify efforts to rescue the students. Sanusi underscored that schools should be sanctuaries of safety, and no individual should be forced to choose between education and personal safety. He further stressed the imperative of a thorough investigation into the security oversights that facilitated the abduction.