President Bola Tinubu directs the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State to oversee security operations following the abduction of 24 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga.
According to a statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and obtained by Mediaplusng.com, President Tinubu instructs Matawalle to remain in Kebbi until security agencies make significant progress in rescuing the missing students.
Gunmen reportedly invade the school around 4:00 a.m. on Monday, kidnapping 25 female students. One of the girls escapes shortly after the attack, leaving 24 students still in captivity.
President Tinubu also cancels his planned trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, to receive continuous security updates on both the Kebbi schoolgirls’ abduction and the attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the Defence Minister is expected to arrive in Birnin-Kebbi on Friday to coordinate rescue operations on ground.
Matawalle, who previously served as Governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023, is known for dealing with cases of banditry and mass kidnappings. One notable incident during his tenure was the February 26, 2021 abduction of 279 female students from Government Girls Science Secondary School, Jangebe. The girls were later released on March 2, 2021.
The Federal Government assures Nigerians that all necessary measures are being taken to rescue the abducted schoolgirls safely.
