The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has relocated to Kebbi State on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to coordinate efforts for the safe rescue of the abducted students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area.
Briefing journalists at Government House, Birnin Kebbi, the minister said President Tinubu is deeply concerned about the incident and has ordered intensified operations to ensure the girls are rescued and reunited with their families.
Dr. Matawalle assured that security agencies, in collaboration with both the state and federal governments, are deploying kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, alongside additional security equipment, to achieve the mission.
On the withdrawal of military personnel from the school prior to the abduction, he disclosed that the officers on duty have been arrested and are under investigation.
He added that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The Minister also commiserated with the government and people of Kebbi State, particularly the families of the school staff who lost their lives while trying to protect the students.
Responding, Governor Nasir Idris said the federal government alone cannot address security challenges without strong support from states.
He blamed the soldiers assigned to the school for negligence and urged the federal government to uncover the reasons behind their absence from duty.
COV/ SANI DUTSINMA
