Pres. Tinubu Sends Defence Minister to Kebbi to Oversee Rescue of Abducted Schoolgirls

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, to proceed to Kebbi State to coordinate efforts to rescue 24 schoolgirls abducted by gunmen from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, on Monday.

Matawalle, a former governor of Zamfara State, is expected to arrive in Birni-Kebbi on Friday to oversee security operations.

A statement on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), said: “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.”

“Disturbed by the security breaches in Kebbi State and Tuesday’s attack by bandits against worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, President Tinubu decided to suspend his departure” to the G20 summit, Onanuga added.

The President had postponed his trip to South Africa and Angola to focus on the rescue efforts.

The abduction has sparked widespread concern, with Vice President Kashim Shettima visiting Kebbi to express solidarity and assure the government and people of the state’s support.

“Our priority is singular and unflinching: our daughters must return home safely,” Shettima stated.

The attackers, believed to be bandits, killed the school’s vice principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, during the raid.

Security forces, including soldiers and vigilantes, have launched a search operation, with Matawalle directing coordinated efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has condemned the attack, calling for intensified prayers and decisive government action to address insecurity in Northern Nigeria.

The incident has also drawn international attention, with US Senator Jim Risch condemning the abduction and urging accountability.