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 bandits attacked the facility and abducted students.
The governor made the disclosure on Friday in Birnin Kebbi while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, who visited the state to offer solidarity and sympathy following the tragedy.
According to Idris, the state government had earlier received intelligence about a potential attack on the school and immediately convened a security meeting to address the threat. Security agencies, he said, assured the government that the school would be adequately protected.
"We were told everything was under control," Idris said. "Personnel were deployed, but surprisingly, the military withdrew around 3:00 a.m., and by 3:45 a.m., the attack took place. This pattern raises disturbing questions."
The governor explained that the state has formally requested a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of the soldiers. He insisted that the authorities must determine who issued the directive for the troops to leave at such a critical moment.
Idris reaffirmed that both state and federal governments are working round the clock to ensure the safe rescue of the students. Twenty-five girls were abducted during Monday’s attack, which also claimed the life of the school’s vice principal. However, two of the abducted students have reportedly escaped.
The governor also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for directing Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit the state, as well as for ensuring that the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, relocated to Kebbi to coordinate rescue efforts.
"Our foremost responsibility is to see that our daughters return home safely," he said. "We are exploring every available avenue to bring them back."