Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, have provided reassurance to the people of Zamfara and all Nigerians regarding the ongoing efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted students and others from Federal University Gusau.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Defence confirmed that both ministers expressed their confidence in the joint security task forces, who are diligently working around the clock to rescue the abducted students.
Minister Badaru, while strongly condemning the act, emphasised that the Federal Government is sparing no effort to ensure the safe release of the abducted students. He extended his heartfelt sympathy to the parents, the academic community, and the entire citizenry of Zamfara State, acknowledging the tragic nature of the abduction.
Addressing a statement attributed to Governor Lawal of Zamfara State, which suggested that the Federal Government was negotiating with the Zamfara terrorists for the release of the abductees, Minister Badaru categorically debunked this claim. He clarified that the federal government is fully committed to bringing the girls and others home and has not authorised any individual or group to negotiate on its behalf. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given explicit directives to the military and other security agencies to secure the release of the abductees.
Furthermore, Minister Badaru revealed that President Tinubu’s orders are already yielding results, as 13 of the abducted students and 3 additional individuals were freed on Monday, March 25, 2023. This remarkable achievement was attributed to the professional efforts of the military.
Despite this positive development, Minister Badaru expressed his condolences to the families of the abducted students and others, stating, “I share in your pain and strongly condemn this reprehensible act carried out by suspected bandits.”
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, echoed similar sentiments as he condemned the attack unequivocally. He called upon the dedicated security forces of the nation to redouble their efforts and utilise all available resources to ensure the safe return of the abducted students.
Dr. Matawalle reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening national security for peace and prosperity, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight-point agenda. He assured the citizens of Zamfara that both air and ground components of the military have been extensively deployed within the state to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.