Fresh tension rose in Kebbi State on Thursday as Governor Nasir Idris demanded answers from military authorities over the sudden withdrawal of troops from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before dozens of schoolgirls were kidnapped.
The governor raised the alarm while hosting the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, who led a solidarity visit following the abduction in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.
Idris explained that the state had earlier supplied intelligence reports warning of possible attacks, yet soldiers stationed at the school allegedly pulled out around 3am, leaving the facility exposed. He said the kidnappers struck less than 45 minutes after the withdrawal.
The governor questioned why security personnel left at such a critical moment, insisting that only a full military investigation could reveal who ordered the withdrawal and why it happened despite prior warnings.
He expressed concern that the action contradicted earlier promises that schools in vulnerable communities along border routes would receive stronger protection against bandits who have repeatedly targeted the area.
Ajaero, speaking during the visit, assured the state of the NLC’s support and urged federal security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted schoolgirls safely.
The incident has sparked public anger across the country as it adds to the growing list of school attacks in Nigeria’s North West, where armed groups have continued to kidnap students despite government assurances of improved security for learning centres.
The abduction has also renewed calls for stronger coordination between state authorities and security agencies to prevent further attacks on schools in high-risk regions.
