The Government of Kebbi State has expressed grave concern over the circumstances surrounding the abduction of schoolgirls from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area. Governor Nasir Idris revealed that military personnel deployed to protect the school withdrew less than an hour before the attack occurred, despite prior intelligence warnings of a possible assault.
Speaking in Birnin Kebbi while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, who visited to commiserate with the state, Governor Idris described the development as deeply troubling. He explained that the state government had earlier convened a security meeting after receiving intelligence reports indicating heightened threats in the area.
Security agencies assured the government that adequate measures would be taken, and troops were subsequently deployed to the school. However, according to the governor, the soldiers left around 3:00 a.m., and by 3:45 a.m., armed assailants struck, abducting dozens of students.
Governor Idris emphasized that the withdrawal contradicted assurances of strengthened security around vulnerable schools in border communities that have repeatedly suffered attacks. He questioned who authorized the withdrawal at such a critical hour and demanded a full military investigation into the incident. “We provided intelligence reports. We alerted them. So, who gave the order for troops to withdraw at that critical hour?” he asked.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that the state will continue to work with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted students. He also called on the federal government and military authorities to urgently probe the matter and provide clear answers to restore public confidence in the security apparatus.
Governor Idris assured parents and citizens that the state government is actively pursuing all avenues to secure the release of the victims and prevent future occurrences. He urged communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality.