Kebbi Gov Queries Military Withdrawal 45 Minutes Before Maga School Abduction
The Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, has demanded explanations from military authorities over the withdrawal of troops from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before the abduction of students and staff.
The governor said he was deeply troubled that security personnel pulled out of the school despite prior intelligence alerts provided by the state government.
He stated this while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, who led a solidarity visit to the state.
According to the governor, soldiers reportedly left the school around 3am while the attackers struck less than 45 minutes later.
“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 am, and by 3:45 am, the incident happened.”
Idris also said the state had demanded a thorough inquiry into the circumstances that led to the withdrawal of troops.
“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,” the governor said.
The governor also noted that the withdrawal contradicted earlier assurances of enhanced protection for schools in vulnerable border communities frequently targeted by bandits.
Idris said both the state and federal governments were working relentlessly to secure the release of the abducted schoolgirls.
“Our duty as leaders is to ensure that our daughters return home safely, and we are doing everything possible to achieve that,” he said.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
