Sani Haruna
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has relocated to Kebbi State on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to oversee efforts toward the safe rescue of students kidnapped from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area.
Speaking to journalists at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, Matawalle said President Tinubu is deeply concerned about the incident and has instructed the minister and security agencies to intensify strategies to ensure the immediate rescue of the schoolgirls and their safe reunion with their families.
He assured that there will be seamless coordination among security agencies, the Kebbi State Government, and the Federal Government, using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. According to him, significant security equipment and personnel have already been deployed to the affected area.
On reports of the withdrawal of military personnel from the school on the day of the attack, the minister confirmed that the officers involved have been apprehended and investigations are ongoing. He stressed that anyone found culpable will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Matawalle also commiserated with the government and people of Kebbi State, and extended condolences to the families of the school staff who lost their lives while attempting to protect their students during the attack.
In his response, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, said the Federal Government cannot tackle security challenges alone, noting that states must also play active roles. He blamed the soldiers stationed at the school for negligence, saying their absence contributed to the security breach. The governor urged the Federal Government to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding their failure to report for duty.
