President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to immediately relocate to Kebbi State following the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in the state.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the presidency, Matawalle — a former governor of Zamfara State — has been instructed to remain in Kebbi and lead on-ground security efforts aimed at rescuing the abducted students.
Background of the Abduction
Gunmen invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in the Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State, around 4 am on Monday, abducting 24 students. Updated security reports later put the number at 25.
Matawalle’s Experience With Banditry
Matawalle, who is expected to arrive in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, previously gained frontline experience combating banditry and mass kidnappings during his tenure as Zamfara State governor (2019–2023).
Notably, on February 26, 2021, 279 female students were abducted from Government Girls Science Secondary School, Jangebe, in Zamfara State. The victims were later released on March 2, 2021.
Tinubu Cancels Trip Amid Security Concerns
President Tinubu has also postponed his planned trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, as he continues to receive security updates on the Kebbi schoolgirls’ abduction and the recent attack on Christ Apostolic Church worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.
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