Gov. Nasir Idris queries military withdrawal ahead of Kebbi schoolgirls abduction

Gov. Nasir Idris queries military withdrawal ahead of Kebbi schoolgirls abduction

Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State — Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has raised concerns over the withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before bandits abducted students.

The governor expressed his worry on Friday while receiving the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, who visited him to offer condolences over the incident.

Governor Idris described the situation as “unfortunate,” noting that the state government had received intelligence reports about a potential attack and promptly convened a security meeting.

“As a responsive government, when we received intelligence on a possible attack, we summoned a security meeting. The security agencies assured us that all was well and that personnel would be mobilised to the school,” he said.

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He added, “The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3:00 a.m., and by 3:45 a.m., the incident occurred.”

The governor confirmed that the state had requested a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal, 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.”

Idris emphasized that both the state and federal government were working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the abducted girls.

“Our duty as leaders is to ensure that our daughters return home safely, and we are doing everything possible to achieve that. We thank President Bola Tinubu for directing Vice-President Kashim Shettima to visit us and for ensuring that the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has relocated to Kebbi,” he said.

The governor also directed clerics to intensify prayers for the safe return of the victims and for peace in the state, adding, “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.”

Describing the NLC President’s visit as historic, Idris said it demonstrated solidarity in a time of distress.

“You left your schedules to visit us, and we appreciate it,” he said.

 

Gov. Nasir Idris queries military withdrawal ahead of Kebbi schoolgirls abduction