Dare Babalola
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State to oversee security efforts to rescue 25 schoolgirls abducted by gunmen from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the president, Matawalle, former governor of Zamfara State, is expected to arrive in Birni-Kebbi on Friday and will leverage his experience in dealing with banditry and mass kidnapping.
Tinubu instructed Matawalle to remain in Kebbi and coordinate rescue efforts until the students are safely recovered.
The statement reads, “President Bola Tinubu has asked the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State over the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in the state.
“Matawalle, who was formerly governor of Zamfara State, was asked to remain in the state to monitor security efforts to secure the release of the abducted students.
“Matawalle, who is expected to arrive in Birni-Kebbi on Friday, gained some experience in dealing with banditry and mass kidnapping during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023.
“On 26 February 2021, armed bandits abducted 279 female students aged between 10 and 17 at the Government Girls Science Secondary School, a boarding school in Jangebe, in Zamfara State. The bandits released all the hostages on 2 March 2021.”
The abduction occurred on Monday, with the vice principal, Hassan Makuku, killed in the attack.
President Tinubu has postponed his trip to South Africa and Angola to focus on the situation, and Vice President Kashim Shettima has visited Kebbi State to express solidarity.
The government is working to secure the girls’ release, with security agencies on high alert. The international community, including US senators, has condemned the attack, calling for increased efforts to protect Nigerian students.
