Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has demanded explanations from military authorities why troops were withdrawn from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before dozens of schoolgirls were abducted in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.
Idris stated this on Thursday while hosting the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, who led a solidarity visit to the state.
He said he was “deeply troubled” that security personnel pulled out of the school after prior the state government had provided the security with intelligence alerts. provided by the state government.
Governor Idris said soldiers vacated the school around 3am while the attackers struck less than 45 minutes later.
“We provided intelligence reports. We alerted them. So, who gave the order for troops to withdraw at that critical hour?” Idris queried, calling for a full military investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the governor, the withdrawal contradicted earlier assurances of enhanced protection for schools in vulnerable border communities frequently targeted by bandits.
Ajaero expressed solidarity with the state and the families of the abducted students, urging federal security agencies to ensure the girls’ safe rescue.
The abduction has drawn nationwide outrage, as the attack is the latest targeting schools in the North-West, despite repeated government pledges to strengthen security around learning centres.
