Kebbi State governor, Nasir Idris, has expressed deep concern over the withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, barely an hour before bandits stormed the facility and abducted several students.
Speaking in Birnin Kebbi on Friday during a condolence visit by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, Idris said the development was particularly unsettling given that authorities had received intelligence warning of a likely attack.
According to him, the state immediately convened a security meeting after receiving the alert, during which security agencies assured that measures were in place to secure the school.
“The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3 a.m., and by 3:45 a.m., the incident happened,” Idris said, describing the chain of events as suspicious. “We have demanded a full investigation into who authorised the withdrawal at such a critical moment.”
The governor noted that efforts were ongoing at both state and federal levels to ensure the safe return of the abducted schoolgirls, acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s directive for Vice-President Kashim Shettima and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi as part of intensified rescue efforts.
He added that religious leaders had been asked to intensify prayers for the safe return of the victims and for peace across the state.
“What is happening in this country shows that enemies are working against this government,” he said. “We return to God and continue to seek divine intervention.”
Idris appreciated Ajaero’s visit, which he described as a strong show of solidarity during a difficult moment for the state.
In his remarks, Ajaero condemned the incident, saying it occurred just as Kebbi was recording notable improvements under the current administration.
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He suggested that the attack appeared “more than a coincidence,” warning that attempts to derail the state’s progress would fail.
“Any attempt to stop the tide of progress will never succeed,” he said. “We urge you to remain resolute; we stand with you.”
Ajaero also noted that the NLC would reassess its security policy direction and work toward stronger interventions aimed at protecting schools and communities nationwide.
The attack claimed the life of the school’s vice principal, Hassan Makuku, while a security guard, Ali Shehu, sustained gunshot injuries.