A cloud of unanswered questions now hangs over Kebbi State after Governor Nasir Idris revealed that military personnel withdrew from a girls’ secondary school barely 45 minutes before armed bandits stormed the facility.
The attack, which took place at Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, has triggered outrage and suspicion, deepening concerns over security lapses in an area long threatened by banditry.
Governor Idris, visibly disturbed, disclosed the unsettling timeline on Friday while hosting the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Joe Ajaero, who led a delegation to commiserate with the state.
According to the governor, intelligence reports had warned of an impending attack, prompting the state to convene an urgent meeting with security agencies to reinforce protection around vulnerable locations.
Idris said the agencies assured the government that troops would be deployed to secure the school. Indeed, personnel reportedly arrived — but only temporarily.
“The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3:00 a.m. And by 3:45 a.m., the incident happened,” he lamented, his voice heavy with concern.
The governor questioned the rationale behind what he described as a critical and inexplicable retreat. He said the withdrawal contradicted earlier assurances given to the state.
“Who authorised the military to withdraw? How did they pull out at such a critical time?” Idris asked, signaling that the state has demanded a full and transparent investigation.
He added that both the state and federal governments were now working around the clock to rescue the abducted students and reunite them with their families.
The governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for promptly dispatching Vice President Kashim Shettima to the state, and for directing the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi for on-ground coordination.
Religious leaders, Idris said, have also been mobilized to intensify prayers for the safe return of the victims and for healing across communities shaken by the tragedy.
For the NLC president, Joe Ajaero, the incident is not only troubling but suspiciously timed. He noted that Kebbi had recently recorded significant development gains under the current administration.
Ajaero hinted that the abduction appears “more than a mere coincidence,” describing it as a potential attempt to destabilize the progress the state has been making.
He assured the governor of the labour union’s support, saying the NLC will revisit its policy framework to champion improved security around schools and border communities nationwide.
“We feel your pain,” Ajaero said, emphasizing that school safety must never be politicized. “We will not allow this matter to be localised. Our hope is that a lasting solution will be found.”