Governor demands probe into military withdrawal before schoolgirls’ abduction

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

The governor voiced his worries on Thursday while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, who visited the state to offer solidarity and sympathy over the incident.

Idris described the situation as deeply troubling, noting that the state government had earlier received intelligence about a possible attack and immediately convened a security meeting.

“As a responsive government, when we received intelligence on a possible attack, we summoned a security meeting,” he said.

“The security agencies assured us that all was well and that personnel would be mobilised to the school.

The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3am—and by 3:45am, the incident happened.”

The governor said the state has demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal.

“Who authorised the military to withdraw? How did security personnel pull out at such a critical time? That is our concern,” he said.

“We have asked the military to investigate and identify who gave that order.”

Idris reassured residents that both the state and the Federal Government are working tirelessly to secure the release of the abducted students.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for directing Vice-President Kashim Shettima and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to take charge of the situation.

He added that clerics across the state had been directed to intensify prayers for the victims and for peace in Kebbi.

“What is happening in this country shows that enemies are working against this government,” he said.

“We return to God and continue to pray for divine intervention.”

The governor also praised the NLC president’s visit, describing it as a show of solidarity during a difficult moment.

Ajaero, in his remarks, said the incident was disturbing, especially at a time when Kebbi State was making significant strides under Governor Idris.

He suggested the abduction could be more than a coincidence, insisting that any attempt to derail the state’s progress would fail.

“This is a distraction, but we urge you to stand firm,” he said. “We sympathise with you and we are with you.”

Ajaero added that the labour union would strengthen its policy framework to support efforts aimed at improving school and border security across the country.

He stressed that national security should not be politicised and called for collective action to address the crisis.

“We are in pain, but we will deal with this in unison,” he said.