Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has raised serious questions about the withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, just 45 minutes before bandits attacked and kidnapped 25 schoolgirls. The governor made the disclosure while receiving a delegation from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.
The incident, which happened in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, has shocked many residents and sparked nationwide concern. School abductions have become a recurring security challenge in northern Nigeria over the past decade, with communities still struggling to recover from earlier attacks in states such as Borno, Yobe, Kaduna and Niger. These attacks have often been linked to bandits and insurgent groups who target schools to instill fear and negotiate ransoms.
Governor Idris said the state had convened a security council meeting shortly before the attack took place. He expressed surprise and concern that soldiers who were stationed in the area were withdrawn less than an hour before the armed men arrived.
“We had convened a security council meeting before the incident, but military men were withdrawn 45 minutes before the attack, raising questions about who ordered the withdrawal,” he said. “We have already asked the authorities to investigate and find out who ordered the men to withdraw.”
The governor assured the NLC and NUT leaders that both the state and federal governments were committed to rescuing the abducted girls. He said investigations were ongoing and security agencies had received firm instructions to track down the attackers.
Governor Idris noted that since the attack, the state government had received visits from several high-level officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Progressive Governors’ Forum led by its chairman, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State. He said the visits showed solidarity and support during what he described as a painful and difficult moment for Kebbi State.
“We have been receiving visitors since the incident happened,” he said. “They came to commiserate with us and pray for the safe return of the abducted schoolgirls.”
The governor reiterated that the safety of students and teachers remained a top priority. He said the state was working closely with security agencies to strengthen surveillance and prevent further attacks on schools, especially in rural areas where bandits often strike.
During the visit, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the abduction and described it as a “calculated attempt and distraction.” He said the attack came at a time when Kebbi State was making progress in governance and development, and urged authorities not to allow insecurity to derail that progress.
“We view it as a calculated attempt and distraction because Kebbi is one of the states that we can proudly say, in some years to come, we can say this is what our own did,” Ajaero said. “Let me make it clear that we stand in solidarity. We share the pain. We are in mourning with you during this period.”
The NLC president urged security agencies to be more proactive rather than reactive, stressing that security issues should not be politicised. He said preventing attacks should be the first priority, especially when schools and children are involved.
“We didn’t come here to protest about roads or salaries,” Ajaero added. “We are here because this is a serious distraction. Security issues should not be politicised. Emphasis must be on being proactive and preventing such incidents.”
School abductions gained international attention after the 2014 kidnapping of over 270 schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State. Since then, several other mass kidnappings have occurred in Dapchi, Kankara, Jangebe and other communities, raising concerns about the safety of children in schools and the ability of security forces to protect vulnerable areas.
The attack in Maga has revived these concerns, with many calling for stronger coordination among the military, police and local vigilante groups. Security experts say the withdrawal of troops so close to the time of an attack must be thoroughly investigated to rule out possible internal sabotage, communication gaps or operational errors.
Communities in Danko-Wasagu and other parts of Kebbi State have suffered repeated bandit attacks in recent years, as criminal groups take advantage of difficult terrain and limited security presence. Many residents depend on farming and often face threats while working on their lands or travelling between villages.
Governor Idris said the state government would continue working with federal authorities to address the broader security challenges facing the region. He called for calm and assured parents and community members that every effort was being made to rescue the girls unharmed.
“We are doing everything humanly possible to ensure we secure these schoolgirls from the hands of the bandits,” he said.
As the investigation continues, many Nigerians are closely watching to see what answers the government will find regarding the unexplained troop withdrawal. For the families of the kidnapped students, the hope remains that their children will return safely, and that steps will be taken to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.
