By Amofokhai Williams
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State to oversee security operations following the abduction of 25 schoolgirls.
The girls were kidnapped from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, Kebbi State, around 4 a.m. on Monday by unidentified gunmen.
Matawalle, a former governor of Zamfara State, is expected to arrive in Birni-Kebbi on Friday.
The President’s decision reflects Matawalle’s prior experience managing banditry and mass kidnappings during his tenure in Zamfara from 2019 to 2023.
Notably, on 26 February 2021, 279 female students were abducted from the Government Girls Science Secondary School in Jangebe, Zamfara State, and released safely on 2 March 2021.
President Tinubu postponed his planned visits to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, to remain updated on security briefings concerning the Kebbi schoolgirls’ abduction and a recent attack on Christ Apostolic Church worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed the directive on Wednesday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the swift release and safety of the kidnapped students.
