Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has made the decisive move to postpone his highly anticipated defection to the All Progressives Congress following the heartbreaking abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
Political Plans Suspended Amid Security Crisis
The governor, in an official statement released on Tuesday, described the kidnapping incident as deeply distressing and declared it inappropriate to proceed with political activities while families and the entire nation grapple with this tragedy. The defection, originally scheduled for 19 November 2025, has been put on hold indefinitely pending further consultations and improvement in the security situation.
Dr. Kefas extended his heartfelt sympathy to the families of the abducted girls and conveyed condolences to the Federal Government, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of children far outweigh any political considerations. He urgently called on security agencies to intensify their efforts to ensure the safe rescue of all victims.
Mass Defection Already Underway
Despite the governor's postponed move, political realignment in Taraba State has already gained significant momentum. Within the past 48 hours, the state's political landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation with all Peoples Democratic Party members in the State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, cabinet members, and top government officials including the Secretary to the State Government defecting to the APC ahead of the governor's originally planned announcement.
Several party chieftains who spoke with journalists praised Governor Kefas's decision to delay his defection rally in solidarity with the kidnapped Kebbi State schoolgirls. The unidentified abductors remain at large as security operations continue.
Education Group Demands Immediate Action
In related developments, the Gender Educators Initiative has issued a strong appeal to the Federal Government to act swiftly in securing the safe release of the schoolgirls abducted from Government Secondary School in Maga, located in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Reports indicate that approximately 25 schoolgirls were taken by terrorists during the attack, which also claimed the life of a school official. The GEI described this incident as a tragic reminder of the worsening insecurity that continues to put women and children at grave risk across Nigeria's North-West region.
Executive Lead Shafa'atu Suleiman, in a statement issued from Sokoto on Tuesday, condemned the abduction in the strongest terms and called for coordinated efforts between federal authorities, security agencies, and the Kebbi State Government to ensure the immediate rescue of the victims.
"This attack is completely unacceptable. We are calling on the Federal Government to act fast to save our girls," the group stated, warning that any delays would only deepen the trauma experienced by affected families and communities.
The organization highlighted that this abduction exposes persistent gaps in school safety measures and the increasing vulnerability of learners in conflict-prone areas. They emphasized that women and children remain disproportionately affected by violence, abductions, and displacement, making their protection a matter of national urgency.
To prevent future tragedies, GEI urged the government to adopt a more proactive, intelligence-led security approach that would strengthen implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative. Their recommendations include functional perimeter fencing, trained security personnel, and early-warning systems in high-risk communities across the country.
