Governor: How soldiers withdrew from Kebbi school before students’ abduction

Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has expressed concern over the withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before the abduction of students by bandits.

The governor raised the concern while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, who paid him a sympathy visit over the incident, in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, November 21, 2025.

Idris described the soldiers’ withdrawal as unfortunate, saying the government had received intelligence reports on a planned attack and immediately convened a security meeting.

Idris said: “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.

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

The governor said the Kebbi State Government had demanded a full 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. We have asked the military to investigate and identify who gave that order,” he said.

Idris further stated the both the Kebbi State Government and the Federal Government were working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the abducted girls.

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The governor said clerics had also been directed to intensify prayers for the safe return of the victims and for peace in Kebbi State.

“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,” he said.

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

“We assure you that we will do everything humanly possible to rescue our daughters and return them safely to their homes,” the governor stressed.

Speaking, Ajaero said the incident was worrisome and occurred at a time the state was recording significant progress in service delivery and development under Idris.

He said the NLC believed the abduction was “more than a mere coincidence”, adding that any attempt to derail the state’s developmental strides would not succeed.

The NLC boss stated: “We are ready to place the state side-by-side with others in terms of development.

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

The Star