Kebbi APC youths tackle Zamfara PDP over comments on abducted schoolgirls

The Kebbi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Youth Forum has criticised the Zamfara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over its comments on the ongoing rescue operation for 25 female students abducted from Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Talata-Mafara Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

In a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi by its Chairman, Comrade Nasiru Maga, the group accused the Zamfara PDP of attempting to politicise a national security matter. The forum described the opposition’s remarks against the deployment of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, to coordinate the rescue operation as “unpatriotic and insensitive.”

“While families are still praying for the safe return of the abducted girls, it is disappointing that the Zamfara PDP is issuing press statements to discredit the rescue efforts simply because of political rivalry,” the statement read.

The forum alleged that the criticism was aimed at distracting security agencies and undermining federal intervention in the rescue mission. It also called on the Department of State Services, DSS, the Nigerian Army, and the Police to investigate what it described as “the opposition’s deliberate attempts to politicise insecurity.”

The group further commended President Bola Tinubu for his prompt response to the incident and his decision to prioritise the safety of students. It also expressed confidence in Matawalle’s ability to lead the operation effectively.

“We believe the minister, who has experience dealing with security challenges in the North-West, will ensure that the kidnapped students are rescued safely,” the statement added.

The Kebbi APC Youth Forum urged political leaders to avoid making statements capable of demoralising troops or compromising security efforts while the rescue operation is ongoing.