Kebbi Governor Demands Probe Into Soldiers’ Withdrawal Before Schoolgirls’ Abduction
In a
deeply troubling development in Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris has raised
urgent questions about the withdrawal of military personnel from Government
Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before armed bandits
abducted students.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability across Nigeria.
Governor Idris revealed that his administration had received intelligence reports warning of a possible attack on the school.
Acting on this information, the
state government convened a security meeting where agencies assured them that
all was under control and that personnel would be mobilized to protect the
school.
Soldiers
were indeed deployed, but according to the governor, they inexplicably withdrew
at 3 a.m., just 45 minutes before the
bandits struck. The attackers killed the school’s vice principal and abducted
twenty-five girls, though two later managed to escape.
The
governor has demanded a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding
the withdrawal, pressing the military to identify who authorized the pullout at
such a critical time. He emphasized that both the state and federal governments
are working tirelessly to secure the safe return of the abducted girls.
President
Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi, while
the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has relocated to the state
to oversee rescue efforts.
Governor
Idris described the situation as evidence of “enemies working against Nigeria”
and urged clerics to intensify prayers for divine intervention. He stressed
that the government’s duty is to ensure the safe return of the girls and
reassured families that every possible measure is being taken.
During a
solidarity visit, Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero condemned the
abduction, calling it “more than a mere coincidence.” He warned that the attack
appeared to be an attempt to derail Kebbi’s developmental progress under
Governor Idris, but vowed that such distractions would not succeed.
The abduction has reignited national debates about security lapses, coordination failures, and the vulnerability of schools in northern Nigeria.
For Kebbi
State, the unanswered question remains: who ordered the soldiers to withdraw,
and why at such a perilous moment?
Until
that is answered, the incident will continue to cast a shadow over the state’s
security apparatus and the broader fight against banditry.
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