Kebbi District Head faults military withdrawal before school attack

The District Head of Maga, Muhammad Dantani, has expressed deep concern over the Nigerian military’s role in the recent attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Kebbi State, where bandits killed a staff member and abducted 25 students.

In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Dantani described the raid as “heartbreaking and devastating” for the community.

He recounted that the attackers stormed the school in the early hours, killing Islamic scholar Malam Hassan Makuku and shooting the school’s watchman, who he said was his uncle, before heading to the students’ hostel.

He said that after receiving a distress call around 4:30 a.m., he immediately contacted the principal and rushed to the school.

An initial headcount suggested 27 students were missing, but subsequent checks confirmed that two had returned and escaped independently, putting the final number at 25 abducted students.

“These girls are our children, and ensuring their safety is a responsibility we take seriously,” he said.

Dantani explained that security around the school had been strengthened weeks earlier following intelligence about a potential attack.

Policemen, army troops, and local vigilantes had been deployed, and their presence had previously deterred attacks.

However, he raised serious questions about what happened on the night of the raid.

“That is the most troubling part,” he said.

“Around midnight, I confirmed that soldiers were still at their post.

“But we later discovered they left at around 1 a.m.—just before the attack began. We don’t know who authorised their withdrawal or why.”

According to him, police officers on duty said confronting the heavily armed bandits would have been suicidal, leaving the attackers free to operate between 1:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. without resistance.

He noted that Governor Nasir Idris was visibly angry when he visited the scene.

The military commandant reportedly apologised and admitted the situation was mishandled.

The governor immediately ordered a high-level investigation involving the DSS, police, school authorities, and other stakeholders to determine why troops withdrew and whether there was negligence or compromise.

On efforts to rescue the abducted students, Dantani said security operatives are combing the forest areas along the Zamfara–Kebbi border.

“From what we know, the bandits are still within the initial bush routes.

“The military is working to block their escape, especially towards the Zamfara side.

“We remain prayerful and hopeful for the girls’ safe return,” he said.

He urged the government to reinforce security in the area by redeploying armoured personnel carriers and increasing military presence along the border.

Dantani added that communities are combining spiritual and physical efforts in response to the crisis.

“In Zuru, there is an officially organised special prayer session. Here in Maga, ours will begin tomorrow.

“Prayer has always been our strength, and alongside security operations, we believe it will help us overcome this challenge,” he said.