The Governor of Kebbi State Nasir Idris has demanded explanations from military authorities on the removal of troops from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, which occurred shortly before dozens of schoolgirls were abducted in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.
Idris stated on Thursday while receiving Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, who was on a solidarity visit to the state.
The Kebbi governor said he was “deeply troubled” that security officers left the school despite prior intelligence concerns from the state administration.
According to the governor, soldiers apparently left the school about 3 a.m., and the terrorists struck less than 45 minutes later.
“We provided intelligence reports. We alerted them. So, who gave the order for troops to withdraw at that critical hour?” Idris queried, calling for a full military investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The governor further stated that the withdrawal violated previous guarantees of increased safety for schools in vulnerable border villages that are routinely attacked by bandits.
Ajaero voiced solidarity with the state and the families of the abducted students, urging federal security agencies to ensure the girls’ safe return.
The abduction, which has caused nationwide outrage, is the latest in a series of attacks targeting schools in Nigeria’s Northwest, despite repeated government pledges to strengthen security around learning centers.
