Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has raised serious concerns over the sudden withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga—just moments before armed bandits stormed the school and abducted students.
Speaking on Friday in Birnin Kebbi during a sympathy visit from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, the governor said the state government is insisting on a thorough probe to uncover why troops stationed at the school pulled out despite earlier security warnings.
Governor Idris disclosed that authorities had received credible intelligence suggesting the school was being targeted. In response, a high-level security meeting was convened, and assurances were given that security operatives would be deployed to protect the girls.
According to him, personnel were indeed sent to the school—but for reasons yet to be explained, they left their posts shortly before the attack.
“As soon as we got word of a possible attack, we immediately called a security meeting,” the governor said.
“The agencies assured us there was no cause for alarm and that officers would be stationed at the school. They were deployed, but by 3 a.m. they withdrew—and by 3:45 a.m., the bandits struck.”
Idris questioned who authorised the withdrawal and why such an order would be issued at a time of heightened danger.
“We want to know who instructed the military to leave. How could security personnel abandon their post at such a critical hour? That is the heart of the matter. We’ve asked the military to investigate and reveal who gave that directive,” he added.
The governor said both the state and federal governments are working around the clock to secure the safe return of the abducted students. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for directing Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi and for ensuring the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, temporarily relocated to the state.
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Idris also noted that religious leaders have been tasked with intensifying prayers for the victims and for lasting peace in Kebbi.
“What is happening suggests that enemies of the nation are bent on destabilising this government. We must turn to God and pray for divine intervention,” he said.
