Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has launched a strong inquiry into the mysterious withdrawal of military personnel from a secondary school just 45 minutes before bandits stormed the facility and abducted 36 female students.
Security Withdrawal Raises Suspicious Timing
The shocking incident occurred at Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, where armed men successfully carried out an abduction after security forces unexpectedly left their posts. Governor Idris revealed that his administration had received prior intelligence about a planned attack and had convened an emergency meeting with security agencies to prevent such an occurrence.
"The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3 am and by 3:45 am then the incident happened," the governor stated during a meeting in Birnin Kebbi on Friday while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero.
Idris expressed deep concern over the timing of the security pullout, noting that assurances had been given about adequate personnel deployment to protect the school. The state government has now demanded a thorough investigation to determine who authorized the withdrawal and why it occurred at such a critical moment.
Rescue Efforts Intensify Amid National Concern
Both state and federal authorities have mobilized resources to secure the safe return of the abducted students. Governor Idris confirmed that President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated commitment to the rescue operation by directing Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State.
Additionally, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle has temporarily relocated to Kebbi to coordinate the search and rescue efforts. Police tactical units have already begun preparations for comprehensive operations to locate and retrieve the missing girls.
"Our duty as leaders is to ensure that our daughters return home safely, and we are doing everything possible to achieve that," Governor Idris assured worried parents and residents.
NLC Condemns Attack as Deliberate Sabotage
NLC President Joe Ajaero, who visited to commiserate with the state government, described the abduction as deeply troubling, especially considering Kebbi's recent improvements in governance under Governor Idris. The labour leader suggested the incident was "more than a mere coincidence" and appeared to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt the state's developmental progress.
"This is a distraction, but we urge you to stand firm. We sympathize with you and we are with you," Ajaero stated during his visit.
The NLC president announced that the labor movement would review its internal policies to support national efforts aimed at strengthening school and border security across Nigeria.
Religious leaders in Kebbi have also been instructed to intensify prayers for the safe return of the abducted students and for peace in the state, as security challenges continue to plague several northern Nigerian states.
