President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to immediately relocate to Kebbi State to coordinate security operations aimed at rescuing schoolgirls abducted earlier in the week.
The directive, issued on Thursday, follows the kidnapping of at least 24 students from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko-Wasagu area of Kebbi State. The armed attackers reportedly stormed the school around 4:00 a.m. on Monday, firing shots before forcing the girls into the nearby forest.
According to a senior Presidency official, Matawalle is expected to lead direct, on-ground coordination with the military, police, and other security agencies already deployed across the affected communities. The source added that the President’s decision was influenced by Matawalle’s past experience managing mass abductions during his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State—a period marked by several high-profile school kidnappings in the North-West.
President Tinubu has also postponed his planned trips to South Africa and Angola in order to receive continuous security briefings on both the Kebbi school abductions and recent attacks elsewhere in the country. The Presidency described the situation as a national emergency requiring full executive attention.
APC Governors Visit Kebbi, Condemn Attack
Meanwhile, governors under the umbrella of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) visited Kebbi State on Thursday to commiserate with Governor Nasir Idris and the affected families.
The delegation, led by PGF Chairman and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, described the abduction as “deeply inhumane,” stressing that such violent attacks on children are alien to Nigeria’s values and must be confronted decisively.
Uzodimma assured that the APC governors would support federal security agencies with logistics and intelligence.
“An injury to one is an injury to all,” he said, emphasising that the governors were united in the effort to secure the safe return of the abducted students.
Other governors on the delegation included those of Benue, Kogi, Ondo, Jigawa and the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State.
Gov Idris: State Traumatized but Hopeful
Governor Nasir Idris, while responding to the delegation, described the attack as a traumatic experience for families and the entire state. He, however, expressed confidence in the ongoing rescue operations.
He also revealed that Vice President Kashim Shettima had earlier visited Kebbi to convey President Tinubu’s message of solidarity and commitment to securing the release of the abducted students.
Community Reactions and Search Efforts
Some parents told reporters that they believe the abducted girls were sighted in a forest close to the community, though police authorities maintained they had not received confirmed intelligence to support the claim.
The Kebbi State Government also noted that it had not been contacted by the attackers and had received no ransom demand.
In the midst of growing tension, the Maga community announced a special prayer session scheduled for Friday to seek divine intervention for the safe rescue of the children. District Head Muhammad Dantani said the emotional distress within the community had driven residents to gather for nightly vigils and spiritual support.
“We are heartbroken, but we believe that prayer is our strongest weapon,” Dantani said.
Security Withdrawal Sparks Concern
Residents have expressed outrage over reports that security personnel posted to the school were withdrawn approximately one hour before the attack. Community leaders say this unexplained withdrawal created a security vacuum that the kidnappers exploited.
The incident has renewed national concern over the safety of schools in northern Nigeria, where attacks have persisted since the 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State.
Kebbi State has suffered similar tragedies in the past, including mass abductions in Yauri and Zuru, leaving families in constant fear as criminal gangs continue to target educational institutions.
Government Mobilises Resources
Governor Idris has assured that all necessary resources—both state and federal—are being deployed to ensure the safe return of the abducted students. He appealed for calm, encouraging residents to cooperate with security agencies as rescue operations intensify.
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