Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has raised serious concerns over the unexpected withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before armed bandits abducted a group of students.
Idris voiced his concerns on Friday in Birnin Kebbi while receiving the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, who visited the state to express sympathy over the tragedy.
He described the development as deeply troubling, noting that the government had earlier received credible intelligence hinting at a potential attack and had immediately convened a security meeting to address the threat.
According to the governor, “As a responsive government, when we received intelligence on a possible attack, we summoned a security meeting.” He explained that security agencies gave assurances that the situation was under control and promised that personnel would be deployed to secure the school.
The governor stated that military operatives were indeed sent to the school but surprisingly withdrew at about 3 a.m., only for the attack to occur around 3:45 a.m. This, he said, raised serious questions that must be answered urgently.
Idris stressed that the state has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal, insisting that such an action at a critical moment requires accountability. He asked, “Who authorised the military to withdraw? How did security personnel pull out at such a critical time?”
He reaffirmed that the state and federal governments are working relentlessly to ensure that the abducted students are safely reunited with their families. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for instructing Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit the state, and for directing the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi to oversee rescue efforts.
The governor added that religious leaders across the state have also been directed to intensify prayers for the safe return of the victims, describing the situation as a spiritual and national challenge. According to him, “What is happening in this country shows that enemies are working against this government. We return to God and continue to pray for divine intervention.”
Idris described Ajaero’s visit as both historic and reassuring, saying it represented a strong gesture of solidarity at a time when the state is grappling with deep distress. He promised that every effort within the government’s capacity would be deployed to rescue the abducted schoolgirls.
Earlier, NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed deep unease over the incident, noting that it occurred at a time Kebbi State had been recording notable improvements in service delivery and general development under Governor Idris. He suggested that the abduction seemed “more than a mere coincidence” and hinted that forces opposed to the state’s progress might be at play.
Ajaero assured the governor that any attempt to derail the state’s developmental achievements would not succeed. He stated, “Any attempt to stop the tide of progress will never succeed. We are ready to place the state side-by-side with others in terms of development.” He added that although the incident was a setback, the people must remain steadfast.
He reassured the state government of the NLC’s support and sympathy, adding that the organisation stood firmly with the people of Kebbi during this troubling period.
The attack, carried out on Monday, resulted in the abduction of twenty-five girls and the killing of the school’s vice principal. However, the state government noted that two of the kidnapped students later managed to escape, offering a small measure of hope amid widespread concern.
What You Should Know
Governor Nasir Idris is demanding answers after military personnel withdrew from a Kebbi school less than an hour before bandits abducted 25 girls and killed the vice principal.
Despite earlier intelligence warnings, the withdrawal remains unexplained, prompting calls for an investigation.
While federal authorities, including the Vice President and Minister of State for Defence, have intervened, the incident has sparked national worry about security lapses and threats to development in the region.
