Kebbi Schoolgirls’ Abduction: Zamfara APC Accuses PDP-Led Government of Undermining National Security Efforts

The Zamfara State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a strong attack on the state’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration, accusing it of deliberately sabotaging federal efforts to rescue 24 female students abducted on Wednesday from Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Talata-Mafara Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

In a sharply worded statement released on Friday by the APC Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the party condemned a recent press statement issued by the “dissolved” Zamfara PDP. The APC described the PDP’s statement as “shameful, disgraceful and unpatriotic,” alleging that it was crafted to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who was mandated to personally oversee the rescue mission.

The party noted that President Tinubu cancelled a scheduled trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa immediately after he was informed about the abduction. This action, the APC said, stood in contrast to previous administrations under Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, during which the Chibok, Dapchi, Jangebe, Kankara, and Birnin Yauri abductions occurred without any cancellation of foreign engagements.

“Instead of showing sympathy to the people and government of Kebbi State, the Zamfara PDP chose to make a statement that can only be described as felony,” the APC asserted, questioning whether the PDP-led government in Zamfara “has a partnership with bandits terrorising the North-West.”

The party further accused Governor Dauda Lawal of neglecting his security responsibilities, alleging that the security situation in the state has deteriorated significantly in the two years since he succeeded Matawalle in 2023.

According to the APC, major roads in the state now close by 6:00 pm, with many described as “death traps,” forcing travellers to pass through Sokoto State before accessing Gusau, the state capital.

The party also reiterated previous allegations that the PDP-led administration shelters bandits and that some armed political thugs move around within the governor’s convoy, citing earlier incidents in which innocent citizens were reportedly shot.

Issuing a direct challenge, the APC called on the PDP spokesman, Halliru Andi, to tell Zamfara residents “whether the security situation has improved or escalated” since Governor Lawal assumed office, recalling that the governor had pledged during his 2023 campaign to end banditry within two months.

The statement commended former Governor Matawalle’s previous efforts in combating banditry and expressed confidence that, in his current capacity as Minister of State for Defence, he will effectively coordinate the rescue operation for the 24 abducted Kebbi schoolgirls.