Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has expressed concern over the withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, less than an hour before armed bandits abducted several students.
He raised the issue on Friday in Birnin Kebbi while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, who paid him a sympathy visit following Monday’s attack.
Governor Idris said intelligence reports had earlier indicated a possible assault on the school, prompting the state government to convene an emergency security meeting.
“As a responsive government, when we received intelligence on a possible attack, we summoned a security meeting.
The security agencies assured us that all was well and that personnel would be mobilised to the school,” he said.
According to him, although troops were deployed, they unexpectedly withdrew around 3:00 a.m.
“The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3 a.m, and by 3:45 a.m, then the incident happened,” he said.
He stated that the state had demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal.
“Who authorised the military to withdraw? How did security personnel pull out at such a critical time? That is our concern. We have asked the military to investigate and identify who gave that order.”
The governor assured that both the state and the Federal Government were intensifying efforts to rescue the abducted students.
“Our duty as leaders is to ensure that our daughters return home safely, and we are doing everything possible to achieve that.”
He appreciated President Bola Tinubu for directing Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi, and for ensuring that the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, relocated to the state to coordinate security operations.
Governor Idris added that clerics had been instructed to intensify prayers for the safe return of the victims.
“What is happening in this country shows that enemies are working against this government. We return to God and continue to pray for divine intervention.”
He described the visit of the NLC President as a show of solidarity.
“You left your schedules to visit us, and we appreciate it. We assure you that we will do everything humanly possible to rescue our daughters and return them safely to their homes.”
Earlier, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the attack, saying it occurred at a time Kebbi was experiencing notable improvements in governance and development.
“This incident came at a time when the state is witnessing good service delivery and development under the leadership of Gov. Idris. Any attempt to stop the tide of progress will never succeed.”
Ajaero added that the union would review its policy direction to support efforts to secure schools and borders nationwide.
“We will go back to the drawing board to make our policy statement until we have clear pathways on how to secure our schools and borders. Security issues should not be politicised.”
He assured the governor of the union’s support.
“We feel your pain. We will not allow this matter to be localised. It is our hope that a lasting solution will be found. There is always a turning point. We are in pain, but we will deal with this in unison”.
NAN.
