By Our Correspondent
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to immediately relocate to Kebbi State following the abduction of schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in the state. The move underscores the administrations response to growing security concerns in the North West region.
The presidents directive comes amid national outrage and concern over the kidnapping, which saw more than two dozen female students taken by armed bandits during an early morning attack on the school. While reports differ on the exact number of victims, ranging from 24 to 25, security agencies have intensified joint operations to track the attackers and secure the safe return of the children.
According to the Presidency, Matawalle is expected to coordinate security operations on the ground, working directly with military commanders, local authorities, and intelligence units. The relocation is aimed at strengthening oversight, speeding up tactical decisions, and ensuring that rescue efforts remain a national priority.
The directive is also seen as a strategic move, given Matawalles experience handling similar mass abductions during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State. The administration believes his knowledge of bandit activities in the region will support the rescue mission.
In a related development, Vice President Kashim Shettima has been sent to Kebbi State to meet with affected families, community leaders, and the state government. President Tinubu has condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable, and has promised that the federal government will do everything necessary to bring the girls home safely.
Security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police, and DSS, have assured the public that coordinated operations are underway and that progress is being made in tracking the kidnappers movements. The government has also appealed for calm, urging communities to cooperate with security personnel as efforts continue.
The abduction adds to the countrys ongoing struggle with armed banditry in the North West, raising further questions about school safety, rural protection, and the need for continued reforms within the security sector. The nation remains hopeful for the safe return of the missing schoolgirls.
