Military withdrawal before Kebbi school kidnapping raises alarms, gov demands answers
Governor Nasir Idris, Kebbi State
Abdullateef Fowewe
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has expressed serious concern over the withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, just before bandits abducted multiple students.
Speaking in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, Idris revealed that “the military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3 am, and by 3:45 am, the incident happened.”
The governor explained that the state government had received intelligence about a potential attack and promptly held a security meeting.
“As a responsive government, when we received intelligence on a possible attack, we summoned a security meeting,” he said, noting the reassurance from security agencies that personnel would be mobilised to protect the school.
In stark contrast to these assurances, the military personnel reportedly pulled out shortly before the abduction.
Idris demanded a thorough investigation, asking, “Who authorised the military to withdraw? How did security personnel pull out at such a critical time? That is our concern. We have asked the military to investigate and identify who gave that order.”
Governor Idris also emphasised ongoing efforts to secure the girls’ release, stating, “Our duty as leaders is to ensure that our daughters return home safely, and we are doing everything possible to achieve that.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for swiftly directing Vice-President Kashim Shettima and the minister of state for defence to support the crisis response.
He further appealed for prayers for the victims and for peace in the state, reflecting on the challenges faced: “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.”
The governor described the visit from Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, as a vital show of solidarity.
“You left your schedules to visit us, and we appreciate it,” Idris said, pledging relentless efforts to bring the abducted schoolgirls back safely.
