By Huldah Shado
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State to oversee security operations aimed at rescuing the schoolgirls abducted earlier in the week.
In a statement on Thursday, Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga said Matawalle will remain in the state for continuous, on-the-ground coordination with security agencies until the students are found.
Gunmen attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, around 4 a.m. on Monday, abducting at least 24 students after shooting sporadically.
A senior Presidency official said Matawalle will operate from Birnin Kebbi and liaise directly with the military, police and other agencies already deployed to the area.
The directive, the official added, draws on his experience handling similar crises as Zamfara governor between 2019 and 2023.
Meanwhile, residents of Maga have been holding nightly gatherings to support affected families ahead of a major prayer session scheduled for Friday.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has assured that all resources, with federal support, are being deployed to secure the girls’ safe return.
