Amanze Chinonye
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has called for an urgent investigation into the withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, just minutes before armed bandits abducted dozens of students.
The governor raised the concern on Friday while receiving a sympathy visit from the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Joe Ajaero.
Idris described the incident as “unfortunate,” noting that intelligence reports had warned of a possible attack, prompting an emergency security meeting.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“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,” Idris said. “The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3:00 a.m., and by 3:45 a.m., the incident happened.”
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He questioned the decision to withdraw troops at such a critical time. “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 said.
Idris assured that both state and federal authorities were working to ensure the safe return of the abducted girls. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for directing Vice President Kashim Shettima to Kebbi and ensuring the relocation of the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, to the state. Clerics have also been directed to intensify prayers for the victims.
“The safety of our daughters is our top priority, and we will do everything possible to bring them home safely,” he said.
The NLC president described the abduction as “worrisome” and occurring at a time when Kebbi was recording significant progress under Idris’s leadership. He warned that any attempt to derail the state’s development would not succeed. “Security issues should not be politicised. We feel your pain and will not allow this matter to be localised. It is our hope that a lasting solution will be found,” Ajaero said.
Authorities have confirmed that search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, with federal and state security agencies working in tandem. A special investigative panel, to be headed by the DSS state director, has been constituted to probe the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of security personnel and the intelligence lapses preceding the attack.
The incident is the major school abduction in the country in less than a week, highlighting persistent security challenges in northwestern Nigeria.
Governor Idris urged calm while insisting that the state would leave no stone unturned in the rescue of the kidnapped students.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
