Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris has called for a full-scale investigation into why soldiers guarding Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, pulled out barely an hour before armed bandits stormed the premises and abducted 25 students.
Idris made the demand on Friday while receiving the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, at Government House, Birnin Kebbi. Matawalle was dispatched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to personally oversee the rescue operation.
Speaking with clear frustration, the governor questioned the timing of the troops’ withdrawal.
“Why did the military personnel stationed at the college withdraw from their duty post by 3:00 a.m., and the bandits attacked the school by 4:00 a.m.?” he asked.
He urged the minister to dig deep into the matter, stressing the gravity of intelligence his government had received. “I am appealing to the minister to thoroughly investigate why the military withdrew at that material time when an intel revealed that there was likely going to be an attack.”
Idris explained that the state had acted swiftly when it got the security alert, summoning an emergency meeting and positioning personnel at the school.
The governor also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen security across Kebbi, noting that the state recently distributed 100 Hilux vehicles and 1,000 motorcycles to support military, police and other security units confronting rising banditry.
While urging residents to keep praying for the safe return of the abducted girls, he reaffirmed the state’s readiness to work hand-in-hand with the military until every student is rescued.
Matawalle, on his part, said President Tinubu directed him to relocate to Kebbi immediately and take charge of the operation. He arrived with key military leaders, including the Theatre Commander of Operation Fantsan Yamma, Maj.-Gen. Idris Warrah.
“We are all here to coordinate with other security agencies to ensure the safe return of these girls. We are therefore soliciting the cooperation and support of the community and people of Kebbi,” the minister said, adding that the rescue team was “not here to sit down or to sleep” until the mission is accomplished.
(NAN)
