Kebbi Schoolgirls’ Abduction: Tinubu Orders Matawalle to Relocate, Oversee Rescue Operations

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State and personally coordinate rescue efforts following the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in the state.

The directive was announced in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said Matawalle would remain in Kebbi to monitor security operations aimed at ensuring the safe release of the abducted students.

Gunmen had stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, around 4:00 a.m. on Monday, abducting 25 students. One of the girls escaped shortly after the incident, leaving 24 still in captivity.

President Tinubu also postponed his scheduled trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, as he awaits continuous security briefings on both the Kebbi school abduction and the attack on worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.

According to the statement, Matawalle is expected to arrive in Birnin Kebbi on Friday. His previous experience confronting large-scale banditry and kidnapping during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State is expected to strengthen ongoing rescue efforts. Notably, he oversaw the response to the February 2021 abduction of 279 students from Jangebe, who were later released.

Meanwhile, Senator Garba Maidoki of Kebbi South has expressed optimism that the girls will be safely rescued. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, he noted that security agencies have “a fair idea” of the girls’ location and believe they remain within the Kebbi South Senatorial District.