FG Reaffirms Commitment to Rescuing Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls

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The Federal Government has reiterated its determination to secure the release of students abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, gave the assurance on Friday during a courtesy visit to Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi. He said President Bola Tinubu had directed him and other senior security officials to relocate to Kebbi to coordinate rescue operations and ensure the safe return of the schoolgirls.

Dr. Bello Matawalle disclosed that security forces were closing in on the location of the abducted students based on actionable intelligence. He added that additional personnel, equipment, and aerial assets were being deployed to block terrorists’ escape routes within Kebbi and neighbouring states.

He appealed for the cooperation of the state government and local communities to support the ongoing operation.

Speaking on reports that military personnel had withdrawn from the school shortly before the attack, the Minister confirmed that the officers involved were already in detention, and an investigation was underway to determine the circumstances surrounding their actions.

Dr. Matawalle urged residents to remain calm and continue to pray for the success of security forces, assuring that the Federal Government would not relent until the girls were rescued.

Responding, Governor Nasir Idris expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for dispatching a high-powered delegation to the state. He called for a thorough investigation into the alleged withdrawal of soldiers despite earlier intelligence indicating a possible attack.

The governor revealed that the state government had shared intelligence and provided logistics for security agents to protect the school but regretted that the personnel left their duty post before the incident occurred.

Governor Idris reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to support the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted schoolgirls.