A US senator Jim Risch, has warned President Bola Tinubu over the recent abduction of 25 female students.
The senator, however, condemned the federal government following the kidnapping of the schoolgirls in Kebbi State, cautioning that the nation will be held responsible for its ongoing security failures.
Sen. Risch expressed disapproval of Nigeria’s approach to student safety, asserting that the US will not ignore the country’s failure to protect its most vulnerable populations.
In a post on X, Risch highlighted that school children, particularly girls, continue to suffer violent attacks despite years of killings and kidnappings by armed groups.
He emphasized that “Nigeria has long failed to safeguard its school children from jihadist and criminal abductions, and little has changed.”
Sen. Risch added that as the US maintains its dialogue with Nigerian officials, “we will continue to hold them accountable.”
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His remarks came in response to the horrific assault on the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, where gunmen invaded the school, killed the vice principal, and abducted 25 female students, leaving the community in shock and the nation on high alert.
Another US lawmaker, Riley Moore, also commented on Nigeria’s security situation, calling for prayers for the victims.
He stated: “Please, join me in praying for the 25 girls who have been kidnapped and for the soul of their vice principal, who was killed.”
Sen. Moore pointed out that the incident occurred in a Christian community in Northern Nigeria and insisted that the government must enhance its efforts to address the rising violence.
Meanwhile, the federal government has ramped up its response efforts.
Following the attacks, President Bola Tinubu instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State to meet with the families of the abducted schoolgirls and reassure them that the government is working towards their safe return.
The military has also intensified its operations. Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who arrived in the state with senior officers, ordered troops of ‘Operation FANSAN YANMA’ to relentlessly pursue the kidnappers.
