By MUHYIDEEN JIMOH

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the release of the 24 schoolgirls abducted by terrorists from the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi, on Nov. 17.

The president also charged the security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue others still in captivity.

This is 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 , and Papiri, Niger.

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. (NAN)