By Abiola Olawale
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has publicly challenged the Nigerian military, demanding a full investigation to identify the officer who ordered the withdrawal of troops from the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, just before the attack.
The governor’s query comes after bandits invaded the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, whisking away numerous students early last Monday.
He said the situation was unfortunate, especially as the government had received intelligence reports on a planned attack and immediately convened a security meeting.
According to him, the withdrawal of the troops from the school is an indication that some enemies are working against the government.
Idris raised the concern on Friday in Birnin Kebbi while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, who paid him a sympathy visit over the incident.
He said: “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.
“The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3 a.m., and by 3:45 a.m., the incident happened.
“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,” he said.
Idris said both the state and federal governments were working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the abducted girls.
“Our duty as leaders is to ensure that our daughters return home safely, and we are doing everything possible to achieve that.
“We thank President Bola Tinubu for directing Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit us, and for ensuring that the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has relocated to Kebbi.
“What is happening in this country shows that enemies are working against this government. We return to God and continue to pray for divine intervention,” he said.
Idris described the NLC president’s visit as historic, saying it demonstrated solidarity in a time of distress.
“We assure you that we will do everything humanly possible to rescue our daughters and return them safely to their homes,” the governor said.
