The Military Was Deployed, but They Withdrew by 3 am, & by 3:45 am, the Incident Happened–Kebbi Gov

 

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has raised serious concerns over the withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before several students were abducted by bandits. The governor spoke on Friday in Birnin Kebbi while receiving Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who visited the state to show solidarity with the victims and their families.

Governor Idris described the development as deeply troubling, especially since the state had earlier received intelligence indicating a likely attack and convened a security meeting to address it. He said security agencies had assured the state government that personnel would be mobilised to protect the school. “The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3 am, and by 3:45 am, the incident happened,” the governor said, emphasising the critical timing of the withdrawal.

He further demanded a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the troop withdrawal, questioning who authorised the action and how it occurred at such a sensitive hour. Governor Idris stressed that both the state and federal governments were working relentlessly to secure the safe release of the abducted students.

The governor also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for directing Vice-President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi and for ensuring that the minister of state for defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, relocated to the state to coordinate security efforts. Clerics were instructed to intensify prayers for the safe return of the students and for lasting peace across the state.

Ajaero described the abduction as disturbing but emphasised that it would not derail Kebbi State’s progress under Governor Idris. He added that the NLC would review its policies to strengthen security in schools and border communities, highlighting the importance of a coordinated response to prevent future attacks.

The attack claimed the life of the school’s vice principal, Hassan Makuku, and left a security guard, Ali Shehu, with a gunshot wound to his right hand. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the students are rescued and safely returned to their families, while continuing efforts to secure the state against future threats.I’m