Gov idris demands answers over troops’ withdrawal before kebbi schoolgirls’ abduction
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, has called on military authorities to explain why soldiers stationed at Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, were withdrawn shortly before armed men stormed the school and kidnapped dozens of students.
The governor raised the concern in Birnin Kebbi on Friday while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, who visited the state to express solidarity over the attack.
According to Idris, the state had earlier alerted security agencies after receiving intelligence suggesting the school could be targeted.
He said a security meeting was convened immediately, during which officials assured the government that adequate protection would be provided.
Idris explained that troops were indeed deployed, but mysteriously pulled out around 3 a.m., barely forty-five minutes before the kidnappers arrived.
“We want to know who authorised their withdrawal at such a sensitive time.
“This is a serious matter. We expect a thorough investigation to determine how and why armed personnel left their duty post at the exact moment they were needed most, ” he said.
Idris said both the state and federal governments were working “day and night” to secure the safe release of the abducted students.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for dispatching Vice President Kashim Shettima to Kebbi and for directing the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to the state to oversee operations.
The governor noted that religious leaders have been asked to intensify prayers, warning that the scale and frequency of recent attacks suggest deliberate attempts to destabilise the nation.
“What we are seeing points to individuals or groups acting against the interest of this country.
“We commit everything to God and continue to pray for peace, ” he said.
He also thanked the NLC president for his visit, describing it as a significant show of support during a difficult moment.
Ajaero, in his remarks, condemned the incident, noting that it occurred at a time when Kebbi State was recording notable progress in governance and development.
He suggested that the timing of the attack was suspicious, saying, “this looks like more than coincidence. Attempts to frustrate the state’s development will not succeed.”
He urged the governor to remain resolute, reassuring him that workers nationwide stood in solidarity with Kebbi.
Twenty-five girls were taken during the attack, which also claimed the life of the school’s vice principal.
The state government, however, confirmed that two of the abducted students managed to escape.
